R.A.B.I is proud to support Farm Safety Week from July 15-19.

During this campaign week, the HSE announced that 39 people were killed in the agriculture, farming and forestry sectors in 2018/ 19. This included seven members of the public. Fourteen people were killed when struck by a moving vehicle and nine by incidents involving cattle.

Those figures do not include the deaths of two people killed in July in farm-related incidents.

Farm Safety Week brings together organisations from across the agricultural sector including the Farm Safety Partnerships, the Health & Safety Executive, Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the Health & Safety Authority, Ireland, to highlight safety innovations and personal stories and experiences.

Recent Voice of the Farmer 2019* research into 1,800 farmers across the UK revealed that awareness of farm safety has never been higher (70% of those surveyed were aware of the Farm Safety Foundation and 67% were aware of Farm Safety Week). However, despite awareness, more action is needed.

That’s why partners want to:

• Preserve and protect the physical and mental wellbeing of all those working and living in the farming community

• Encourage people to stop and think about their safety whilst working and living on farms

• Highlight good safety practices and share positive stories about living well and farming well

• Encourage action in the industry

Stephanie Berkeley of the Farm Safety Foundation said: “Farming, as an industry, is absolutely vital to the UK economy – it is the bedrock of our food and drink industry. On a farm, as with any business, the number one resource is the people so why do many farmers give more attention to their livestock, crops and machinery than themselves and their own wellbeing?
“Many farmers are using technology, learning business skills and taking innovative steps to make their farm businesses safe, resilient and sustainable but it is equally important for them to realise that they are the farm’s greatest asset.”

* 2019 VOTF NFU Mutual and Mindset research