Agricultural organisations have launched a campaign to reiterate the need for health and safety to be a priority in farming. The news comes after the Health and Safety Executive revealed that over 292 people working in the agriculture sector suffered serious injuries.Work related accidents and illnesses cost the UK over £14.2bn.
Judith Hackitt, from the HSE, said it was important to focus on ensuring people are able to live long and productive lives - something following health and safety practices can achieve: "We all need to commit to focussing on what really matters – ensuring more people return home from work every day and enjoy long and healthy working lives."
To help achieve this in Scotland, for instance, a group of agricultural organisations have created the Farm Safety Scotland Partnership. It consists of the Scottish government, NFU (National Farmers Union) Scotland, NFU Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Allan Bowie, NFU Scotland's Vice President, said: "The Farm Safety Partnership intends to change behaviour and attitudes by promoting the steps to reduce the risks of common farm jobs."