British farmers are renowned for their innovation and ability to constantly improve, grow and develop their businesses.  However, there is one key thing that the industry has still not managed to master… health and safety!

Despite agriculture only accounting for a small fraction of the Great British workforce, it accounted for over 20% of worker fatalities in the last year.  The latest figures show that the rate of fatal injury (injury resulting in death) in agriculture is 18 times higher than the average across all industries.
37 people lost their lives on farms last year!

One of the most frightening statistics is that ‘despite there being seven times more workers employed in the construction industry than in agriculture… you are actually seven times more likely to be killed on a farm than on a construction site!’  In July alone, two children have already tragically lost their lives in farm accidents.  It would be fair to say that awareness of health and safety on farms is increasing. However, awareness isn’t enough!  It is time to integrate a higher standard and expectation on your farm now!

Apart from the legal aspects of health and safety, we believe that it is key in your sustainability drive.  As farmers, we spend plenty of time analysing our business performance to ensure it is resilient, future-proof and sustainable.  However, we often forget the farms greatest asset…you!  In the case of an accident, who would fill your place?

Another key factor in a future-proof farm is attracting and retaining the best quality workers.  By providing the best working environment possible, it shows you care and are taking their health and safety seriously.  Retaining staff goes hand in hand with saving costs of recruiting and training new employees.  Long term employees also provide a level of stability and experience that is invaluable.

Sustainable businesses need to be efficient – an aspect identified and supported by good health and safety management.  For example, identifying the fault with the forager before it leaves the yard allows for easier repair work.  Compare that to a fault in the field, which holds up foraging, resulting in a delay and all the hassle that goes with it!  Another reason to include health and safety controls is the potential costs of an accident.  This can range from production disturbance to insurance premiums to prosecutions.

Recent agricultural cases include:

• Grain store company Camgrain was fined £180,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,000 following a worker being fatally struck by a lorry at the site.
• A farmer was fined £26,000, ordered to pay costs of £3,922 and a surcharge of £170 following a worker’s fatal fall through the fragile roof of a milking shed.
Could your business cope with the cost?  And perhaps more importantly, could your conscience cope?

The list of reasons for integrating good health and safety practices on your farm is endless.  So why not start on your farm now?  For more information or guidance on Health and Safety or to organise a free, no obligation safety meeting, please contact Cari at caribeard@fcgagric.com