HSE Chair, Martin Temple, talks about his personal connection to farming in support of National Farm Safety Week

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is encouraging everyone involved in agriculture to join the #HelpGBWorkWell conversation to talk about how they can prevent ill health, injury and death in the workplace.

National Farm Safety Week takes place next week, 24 – 28 July. Organised by the Farm Safety Foundation, the week sets out to reduce the number of deaths and injuries and offers support and guidance for those working in the industry.
The week comes just after the release of HSEs annual fatality statistics and couldn’t be more timely as figures for the agriculture sector highlight just how poor farming’s record is. Next week provides an opportunity to really focus the conversation around #Farmsafetyweek.

Martin Temple, HSE Chair said:

“Everyone involved in improving workplace health and safety has a role to play in helping Great Britain work well.
I personally have some experience of the challenges and risks farmers face on a day to day basis having grown up on a farm. Farming has changed and with new and different working practises and a transient workforce, all farmers need to constantly revisit and re-consider the risks faced by the people working on their farm.”

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing remains the riskiest industry sector in the UK with 27 workers being killed on farms last year and three members of the public, making a total of 30 people according to HSEs recently released fatality figures for the sector.

Martin added:

“National Farm Safety Week provides an ideal opportunity for everyone working in the agricultural industry to raise their voice, and have the conversation around how managing risk well in the workplace is good for farming and all those working in agriculture.”
HSE has a range of resources and guides available to improve health and safety on farms. They cover a range of topics including farm vehicles, working at height, manual handling and electricity and can be accessed on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture. Join the help Great Britain work well conversation, it’s for good for business and good for workers, #HelpGBWorkWell.

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If you are interested in speaking to HSE on this subject please contact Jane Gregory or Natalie Dunn at HSE media and campaigns office on 0203 028 4691/3389