On this page, we compile the most recent farm safety news bulletins affecting farm workers and labourers in the UK. We will be updating this section, so feel free to check back regularly for any potential updates.
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According to the HSE 20% of agricultural deaths in 2021/22 were due to people being struck by an object, with hay bales being a leading cause.
Bales can weigh up to 1600Kg so stacks can present a significant danger should they topple.
Only last month - A farmer was trapped under a hay bale weighting half a tonne and had managed to call out to a passing member of the public who then managed to get prompt assistance from the emergency services by dialling 999 using what3words app to get an accurate location.
Never work alone. Ensure that all staff have mobile phones and have worker down apps and what3words downloaded onto them.
The 'HSE - Safe working with bales in agriculture' leaflet covers where and how to stack bales, stack maintenance and de-stacking, and transporting bales. It lists other problems associated with bales, such as fire and manual handling. There is also a checklist of steps to take before starting work with bales.
Check out the LKL Safety Note on Safe handling and stacking of bales that summarises the HSE leaflet above.
Find your next farm job through LKL. Our network of field-based managers, supported by a small team of specialists based at our Salisbury headquarters, are responsible for maintaining regular contact with farm owners and managers.