Scotland Sees Dramatic Drop In On Farm Fatalities

NFU Scotland has welcomed the news that the number of farm deaths dropped from 13 to 2 in 12 months, but insists there is still work to be done

Today (Monday 20 July) marks the start of Farm Safety Week which sees NFU Scotland work with the Farm Safety Foundation, and other stakeholders, to promote the importance of proper health and safety practices.

To coincide with Farm Safety Week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released their report on fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain 2019/20

Over the last 12 months there have been two fatalities due to on farm injuries in Scotland, which is a marked improvement on the previous year which saw 13 deaths.

The Union has welcomed the news and recognises that this is down to a clear shift in the attitudes of farmers and crofters who are taking health and safety on farm far more seriously than they have in the past.

Agriculture has, for a number of years, had a poor record for health and safety and it is something which NFU Scotland has worked closely with the Farm Safety Foundation and HSE to improve the industries reputation.

Despite the improvements in the number of fatalities on farm in Scotland, there is still work to be done and NFU Scotland, along with the Farm Safety Foundation and HSE, is committed to continuing to improve safety on Scottish farms and crofts.

Speaking about the latest figures, NFU Scotland Vice President Charlie Adam said: “It is clear to see from the latest figures that the work NFU Scotland, the Farm Safety Foundation and HSE is having a positive affect and we are seeing some much needed improvements.

 “Two deaths are still two too many and it shows that there is still plenty of work to be done. These two incidents aren’t just figures on a report, they are two separate farming families who will be grieving and should be treated as such.

“The work that we do with the Farm Safety Foundation, and other stakeholders, during Farm Safety Week is vitally important to spread the message of good health and safety on farm but it cannot be just for the one week a year. Farmers and crofters need to buy into these new farming methods and technologies year round, not just for these five days.”