This year is the 10th anniversary of Farm Safety Week (FSW), running from 18 to 22 July, which includes more than 400 partners in five countries supporting better safety in agriculture. The Farm Safety week in the UK is organised by the Farm Safety Foundation, which is a small charity dedicated to raising awareness of farm safety and mental wellbeing in farmers.
Read our short article that explores the Farm Safety week health and safety themes and share with colleagues.
The themes UK and Ireland for the week are as follows:
- Monday 18th - Launch & Accident Statistics
- Tuesday 19th - Childhood Farm Safety
- Wednesday 20th - Farm Safety Champions and Farm Accident Survivors
- Thursday 21st - Respiratory Health
- Friday 22nd - Mental Health Awareness
Day 1 - Launch & Accident Statistics
The HSE will launch its report on ‘Fatal Injuries in Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Report in GB 2021/2022’. They will report that in the past year - 22 farm workers lost their lives on GB farms.
This is half the number of fatalities reported last year of 41 – which is reflecting some improvements in safety behaviours in the industry – however FARMING accounts for 1% of the working population but still an alarming 18% of all workplace deaths – which shows that there is still a long way to go.
Stephanie Berkely – Farm Safety Foundation manager said that the results were encouraging - “But it still means there were 22 deaths on our farms and we can all agree that one death in the industry is one too many and a terrible tragedy for those 22 families”.
The main causes of death still included falls from heights, struck by a moving vehicle or struck by a moving object.
The Farm Safety Foundation - The week will see the launch of a new farm safety video on Monday (18th July), followed by the publication of various articles on farm safety for sharing, plus a special panel discussion at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday (19th July).
Anyone creating and sharing farm safety content on social media throughout the week are requested to use hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek, and tag @yellowwelliesUK.
Day 2 - Childhood Farm Safety
Alma Jordan of AgriKids is the shining light of educating young children in Ireland about the health and safety risks on farms and has an educational programme in schools and Farm Safety Champion Awards.
Watch this short YouTube video aimed at children of primary school age
'Farm Safe' for eight to 11 year olds
Day 3 - Farm Safety Champions and Farm Accident Survivors
The Farmers Weekly safety campaign ‘Dying to feed you’ has accident survivor video stories which they have bravely shared to help get the safety message across – and shows you can’t be too complacent.
See the link below for clips.
Dying to feed you - Farmer's Weekly
Day 4 - Respiratory Health
Occupational health risks are often a poor relation to other H&S aspects but ill health effects caused by poor working practices can have life long effects on the individual as much as having an accident at work!
Farmers and particularly livestock farms are identified as at risk of developing chronic bronchitis, COPD and rhinitis due to exposure to inorganic dust and organic dust containing allergens, microorganisms and viruses and possible other irritant gases such as ammonia and from disinfectants.
Check out our newsletter article – 'On how to protect your lungs and how to fit disposable masks correctly'
Day 5 - Mental Health Awareness
Farming is a demanding job and can be isolating. It’s important to recognise signs and symptoms when you don’t feel right and there is help out there.
FCN produced this video earlier this year where an experienced farmer Trevor Cligg, talks to an FCN volunteer about his journey and how he sought help.
Farming and Better Mental Health (short film)
We also have a page on our website with information on mental wellness and mental health helplines - here.
Plus H&S advice for the hot weather:- Protect yourself from high UV levels when working outside!
With forthcoming temperatures advised to be reaching up to 33°C and high levels of UV light - don't forget the skin cancer risk and advise staff to take precautions.
- Keep your top on.
- Wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunch time.
- Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF 50 on any exposed skin.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding.
