Farmers reminded of safety as school holidays start

NFU Cymru will use this week’s Eisteddfod to remind farmers and their families to remain safe. With the school holidays just starting, farmers are being reminded of the guidance available on keeping their children safe on the farm.

Ed Bailey, NFU Cymru President said, “Latest statistics show a fall in the number of workers killed in Britain, however, agriculture remains the industry with the highest rate of fatal injuries. Between April 2012 and March 2013 eight fatal injuries were recorded in Wales. In 2011/12 when we started the farm safety initiative in Wales the number of deaths recorded was 19. I am pleased to see the statistic come down and hope that this is a reflection of the farm safety initiative and a greater level of awareness, but one death is still too many.”

NFU Cymru will have farm safety advice available on its stand for visitors throughout the Eisteddfod, with particular emphasis on child safety. Children visiting the stand can pick up activity booklets which provide farm safety information in a fun way. Parents can also pick up HSE (Health and Safety Executive) revised and improved guidance aimed at reducing child deaths on farms and providing essential information on keeping children safe in, after all, what is a working environment.

Graeme Walker, Head of HSE’s Agriculture sector said, “The agriculture industry is unique as it is the only high-risk industry that has to deal with the constant presence of children.

“Farms are workplaces, but unique workplaces as they are also homes. Many children and young people live on, work at and visit farms – particularly at this time of year – and whilst we want them to develop a love of farming and the countryside, it must be done safely.”


Bailey concluded, “The Farm Safety Partnership is being proactive and working hard throughout the year to try to improve the safety record of the industry. We are leading the way in raising awareness with each organisation that is represented dedicated to raising safety standards. We produce a number of safety related briefings and business guides to help farms consider the risks from their activities. Pick up the Farm Safety leaflets from our stand during the Eisteddfod.”