Union issues guidance after two fatal accidents

Two fatal injuries have led the NFUS to step up guidance on various points

As Scottish agriculture reels from two fatal accidents this week, the farmers union has stepped up guidance on working at height, the industry’s second highest cause of death.

The already-grim farm-fatality figures for 2018 were compounded by the deaths of 26-year-old Ian Whellans from Kelso and farm contractor Neil Ironside from Turriff.

NFU Scotland (NFUS) say at least eight people die across Great Britain as a result of a fall from height, with many others suffering severe injuries.

Falls often happen from roofs, lofts, ladders, vehicles, bale stacks and unsuitable access equipment such as buckets.

Laurencekirk farmer Ian Argo from Auchcairnie suffered a serious injury after falling because of coming out of his tractor front-facing – the “wrong way” – after having done it that way for several years.

He dislocated his knee cap and severed tendons and after being found, spent around a week in hospital. He had to undergo an operation and had his leg in a brace frame for three months.

He said: “I got out of the tractor, and the next thing I knew, I was lying on the ground.

“At the time, I was working alone and I tried to get up, but couldn’t get my left leg to work.

“There was no blood and I wasn’t feeling any pain at that point, but I could see that my knee cap had moved significantly up my leg.

“I then tried to phone someone. However, I soon realised that my phone was in the tractor cab and there was no way I could reach it.”

Mr Argo said the accident has made him more aware of coming out of tractors the correct way.

He added: “I want to highlight the impact an accident like this can have on your family and your business.

“We’re much more conscious of safety now and it’s made me slow down and think about every process.”

The advice from Farm Safety Partnership Scotland on working at height includes avoiding roof work or working at height to maintain buildings.

Farmers are advised to do as much as possible from the ground and not to be tempted to use the wrong equipment.

Being lifted on the forks or bucket of a telehandler is illegal.

Other advice includes using professional contractors with the knowledge, skills equipment and experience to safely work at height on buildings.

Full guidance for working safely at heights can be found at: www.hse.gov. uk/agriculture/topics/falls.htm or www.yellowwellies.org/working-atheights/

Ian Argo wants to highlight the impact a farm accident can have on family and business.