New HSE Initiative Aims to Reduce Farm Vehicle-related Deaths
A recently launched Health and Safety Executive (HSE) campaign aims to prevent fatalities and injuries caused by moving farm vehicles. While vehicles are critical for farming duties, incidents resulting from their use are the number one cause of death and serious injury in the agricultural industry, according to HSE findings. Specifically, 30% of all farm fatalities over the past five years have involved farm vehicles. A total of 48 lives were lost—21 times higher than the average fatality rate across all sectors.
The Campaign Explained
A host of factors can contribute to farming accidents—complacency, fatigue and time pressures, to name a few. The HSE’s campaign highlights three simple steps to help agricultural businesses keep their workforces safe and reduce the likelihood of accidents. In a recent press release, HSE’s head of Agriculture Policy Sue Thompson said: “We’re asking farmers in England, Scotland and Wales to consider three areas of their daily farming activities and take the right action to prevent another farming tragedy.”
The three areas highlighted within the campaign are:
- Safe Farm—Employers are urged to keep people and vehicles apart with clearly marked routes and walkways, good lighting, adequate signage and barriers in high-traffic areas.
- Safe Vehicle—Employers are encouraged to detect faults early by asking employees to perform vehicle brake checks, ensure farm vehicle doors are securely closed and clean fitted mirrors for optimal visibility.
- Safe Driver—Employees are compelled to adopt safe driving techniques, including applying the handbrake every time they vacate their vehicle.
Additionally, the campaign’s website includes further industry-specific safety advice and resources, including vehicle maintenance tips and a worker checklist.
Conclusion
The HSE’s campaign aims to raise awareness of safe farm vehicle operation and maintenance. By leveraging the initiative’s guidance, agricultural businesses can improve on-site safety measures and help prevent accidents. For further details on the HSE’s campaign, visit the Work Right website.
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