33 deaths in ‘most dangerous occupation’
THE figures showed that there were 33 deaths amongst people working in the farming sector last year, along with four members of the public who also died on farms.
On a statistical basis, agriculture recorded a rate of 9.12 deaths per 100,000 workers – 20 times the average industrial rate of 0.45 per 100,000 and far higher even than the construction industry, once widely thought to be amongst the most dangerous which recorded a figure of 1.62.
The numbers, which made uncomfortable reading, were released just as organisations within the farming industry this week came together to promote accident avoidance advice during Farm Safety Week, which began yesterday.
The move is part of a longterm initiative to reverse the trend and make the sector safer and is being promoted under the tag line “don’t learn safety by accident” and looks behind the statistics to give personal stories.
From falls and transport to child safety – the initiative, which has the backing of a plethora of organisations within the farming industry, offers five days of themed practical advice and guidance for farmers. reached for the extendable ladder and placed it at quite a tight angle and, power flex in one hand, started my ascent,” he said.
“As I reached the top my brain suddenly kicked into gear, have I secured the ladder at the bottom?
“But it was too late, in a split second I was travelling at speed, with the ladder, to a very hard landing. “Fortunately I did not lose consciousness. After a nasty accident with a cow before, I knew that I only had a few minutes before shock would set in and I could be in real trouble as I was working alone. I was able to get my mobile phone from my
breast pocket saddest thing is that they can often be prevented.
Cabinet secretary for rural affairs, food and the environment, Richard Lochhead also voiced his support for the joint initiative:
“Farm Safety Week is muchneeded to help raise awareness of safety issues on Scotland’s and contact my son Ian who was home on leave from his work.
“In the few minutes Ian took to find me I realised I couldn’t stand up and the extent of my injuries – I was lucky to be alive.” farms,” he said. “There are four causes that account for over 70 per cent of work-related deaths on Scotland’s farms – falls from height is one of them, along with transport, equipment and cattle handling.
“I hope this will be a life-saving initiative to tackle the high numbers of accidents and fatalities
Moir said he had been lucky and very fortunate to have had excellent care and repairs courtesy of NHS Grampian, but added that it was still difficult for him to recount the experience. BRIAN HENDERSON in the agriculture industry, which is the highest in any working environment across these islands.”
Yesterday the focus was on falls from height, with 13 people dying on Scotland’s farms in the past decade because they failed to take proper precautions when working at height. The Safety Partnership yesterday gave the following safety tips for working at heights l Never walk on fragile materials, e.g. roof lights or glass. l Use proprietary access equipment or other measures when working at height. l Take account of conditions, e.g. wind and rain. l Make sure everyone knows precautions to be followed. l Roof ladders or crawling boards must span at least three purlins. l Roof ladders must be securely placed. Do not rely on gutters, ridge caps or tiles for support.