The NFU has urged farmers to take extra care this winter to stay safe and well on farm, in light of a spate of recent incidents.
 
Although there was a drop in on-farm fatalities last year compared to the five year average, farming remains proportionally the most dangerous work sector in the UK and there have been a number of incidents reported in the past few weeks in which farmers and farm workers have been killed, including a farmer in north Wales who lost his life after falling through a fragile roof, and a person who died after his vehicle came into contact with an overhead power line

Public health statistics reveal that both of these types of incident are all too common. On Wednesday, NFU Vice President Guy Smith said he wanted to stress the importance of keeping vigilant when it comes to preventing life-threatening accidents during the winter months.
 
Smith said, “The last thing any of us want to hear about, particularly over Christmas, is a farming fatality, a grieving family and a community in shock.

“Figures for deaths on farm dropped to 29 last year but that downward trend hasn’t been maintained and it’s likely it’ll rise to nearer the average of 37 for 2016/17. That’s why we are continuing to support the farm safety campaign and educate farmers to stay safe on the farm.
 
“As winter closes in farmers just need to be mindful of working alone and doing jobs around the farm in adverse weather conditions. There needs to be an element of common sense and safety involved in all decisions – because ‘I’m in a hurry’ is not a good enough reason. Instead just ask yourself ‘Who would fill your boots?’ if something serious were to happen to you.”