Farmer died after being kicked by cow in a trailer

A FARMER in Exeter was killed last month after being kicked by a cow in a trailer.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released limited details of the incident, which occurred in May this year.

It states that the death occurred when ‘a farmer was killed when he was kicked by a cow in a trailer’.

The HSE confirmed that the death was recorded as being ‘work-related’ and will be subject to a further investigation.

The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, May 19.

It also confirmed that there were further details surrounding the incident which would be looked into.

A warning by the HSE said: “A number of incidents occur with cattle handling activities associated with transport, particularly during loading and unloading.

“Plan cattle movement and transportation carefully. Use safe working practices with the right equipment.”

In a reminder to people who work in agriculture, the HSE added: “Livestock handling is one of the biggest causes of death and serious injury in agriculture.

“Carrying out tasks on unrestrained cattle, with makeshift equipment, or by using unsafe practices dramatically increases the risk of injury from crushing, kicking, butting or goring.

“Never underestimate the strength, speed or behaviour of cattle, even with good precautions in place.

“Reduce the risk of injury to you, your workers and others, such as vets, when handling cattle by using: proper handling facilities kept in good working order a well-maintained crush that is suitable for the tasks being undertaken; techniques that keep people segregated from cattle as far as possible; trained, competent and agile people; a rigorous culling policy for temperamental animals.

Between March 2000 and March 2020, 98 people were killed by cattle in the UK, according to the HSE. Of those, 22 were members of the public, with the rest being either farmers or farm workers.