Statistics Show a Fall in the Number of Fatal Farm Accidents
(PRWEB UK) 25 July 2014 -- Recently, during farm safety week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures published showed a decrease in the number of fatal accidents occurring in agriculture.
The figures showed a decrease in the past 5 years with 29 fatal injuries in 2012/13 versus the average over the previous 5 years of 36. But it also seems an almost 50% decrease in fatal injuries to works in 2012/13 of 29 versus 1981 where the figure was 54. This may not sound like a large volume of people, but the farming industry represents approximately 1.8% of the UK workforce, and accounts for around 19% of the total number of fatal injuries.
Despite the decrease in fatal injuries, agriculture still remains the industry with the highest rate of fatal accidents with almost half (41%) of agriculture injuries happening to farmers, with another 17% to farm workers.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) recognised though that there is still plenty of work to do to improve the UK’s farming safety record. Guy Smith, NFU’s Vice President said: “While any drop in the statistics is welcome news, we must not forget that every number represents many shattered lives. The NFU is actively working to help raise awareness of health and safety across the industry.”
The most common (and one of the most costly farm injuries) are accidents involving machinery, with claims in 2013 costing over £19 million. Whilst livestock related injuries and fatalities cost over £2.5 million, with 87% of livestock-related injuries being caused by cattle. The total annual cost of injuries in agricultural jobs is estimated at £190 million.
Farming is an industry filled with hazard, and the potentially dangerous machinery, vehicles, livestock and chemicals can pose a threat. In response to this a spokesman for Accident Advice Helpline, a leading law firm in the UK said, “No matter what line of work you are involved in, it is important to always be self-aware and speak up if you discover a potential risk to your health or the health of others.”
“Accidents in the work place can occur for a number of reasons and it is important that the employer and employee have a relationship where any issues are instantly raised and acted on to prevent problems occurring.”
You can call Accident Advice Helpline at any time on 0800 689 0500 to discuss with an advisor about any work placed injury you may have sustained. They will let you know if you are entitled to make a compensation claim for your injury.
This press release has been created in accordance with the information from the article ‘Too many accidents still arising from agriculture’ published on 5th July 2014 through The Yorkshire Post.
Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive have been obtained from the site's official website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/agriculture/index.htm
David Brown, Accident Advice Helpline, http://www.accidentadvicehelpline.co.uk, +44 8006897221, [email protected]
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