Man’s death puts danger of farming in sharp focus

RURAL: Union tells of the misery such tragedies wreak in communities

The death of a man on a Perthshire farm has led to the farming community highlighting the “heartache” of such tragedies.

Graham Shaw, 54, of Peattie Farm, near Coupar Angus, died following an incident involving a forklift truck.

Police have said he was pronounced dead at the scene and confirmed the matter has been passed to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for investigation.

Yesterday, Mr Shaw’s sister-in-law confirmed he had died following the accident but said the family did not wish to comment further on the matter.

A police spokesman said officers were called to the farm at around 1pm on Saturday in response to the reported death of a 54-year-old man.

“The male was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin were made aware,” he said.

“The matter has been passed to HSE for investigation, and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.”

A spokesman for HSE said: “We are aware of the fatality and an inspector has attended at the site.”

The National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) has said 37% of all farm accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, were caused by vehicles or machinery last year.

Figures show that over the past decade, almost 80 men, women and children have died on Scottish farms and significantly more have been badly injured as a result of farming activities.

An NFUS spokesman said: “Deaths like this bring a catalogue of heartbreak and misery to numerous Scottish families and rural communities each year.

“Any death or serious injury on Scottish farms and crofts brings heartbreak and misery to friends, family and the wider rural community.”

He continued: “The recent deaths on Scottish farms and crofts highlight that farming remains one of the most hazardous industries to work in and simply strengthens the union’s resolve and commitment to work with others and improve our sector’s health and safety record.

“For the sake of farmers, their families and their staff, safety considerations need to be first and foremost whenever anyone is going on to a farm.”

Statistics for the last decade, released by HSE, show that 13 people were killed on Scottish farms by falls when working at heights, nine people were killed in incidents involving livestock and 26 people were killed when their vehicles had overturned or they were struck by a moving vehicle.