Farm Safety Week returns for its eighth consecutive year, starting today and running until Friday 24 July.

The campaign aims to increase awareness of the safety risks on farms and to offer guidance to support the physical and mental wellbeing of those in the farming community. The four main focuses of the week are: aftermath of COVID-19, child safety on farms, technology and rural road safety. Follow #FarmSafetyWeek on Twitter for more information.

Stephanie Berkeley, Farm Safety Foundation (pictured above), said: “This has been a particularly challenging 2020 for all of us and we are only halfway through! It is encouraging that, over the past few months, farmers have been recognised as key workers that play an essential role in producing food for the country.”

According to the HSE Fatal Injuries report, 20 agriculture workers lost their lives on farms in 2019/2020. This is a 37.5% decrease on the previous year’s total of 32.

Stephanie added: “Farmers are starting to make decisions that are in their broad self-interest and in the interest of staying safe and staying alive. Young farmers are coming into the industry with improved attitudes to working safely. More farmers are being open about looking after their physical and mental wellbeing and using technology, learning business skills and taking innovative steps to make their farm businesses safe, resilient and sustainable.”

Adam’s story

Adam’s life changed when he was crushed by a bull. He decided to leave his tenancy in Devon after he recovered in hospital, but he and his family had nowhere to go. With bills to pay and an uncertain future, Adam and his wife were struggling to cope.

R.A.B.I was able to pay a grant to cover the family’s domestic bills and clear their electric and gas arrears. Working closely with the Addington Fund and FCN, the charity helped Adam look towards a brighter future.