A South-West based insurer has released a safety action plan for farmers and holidaymakers in response to the increased risk farm holidays present for children. Rural insurance company Cornish Mutual released the guide and checklist to help farmers and landowners reduce the risks, as it said most holiday makers will be unaware of the hidden dangers when staying on farms. image expired

Figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that last year there were four fatal injuries in the agriculture sector in Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset. Overall, there were 112 agricultural injuries in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

As an increasing number of farmers in the South West are diversifying into providing farm-stay holiday accommodation, Cornish Mutual said it wanted to highlight these issues to reduce the number of farm deaths and injuries in the region. 

Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said, “Agriculture remains the most dangerous industry in this country; an average of nearly one person every week suffers a fatal accident on a farm. Many others are injured while visiting or staying on a farm as part of their holiday and the Westcountry has had more than its fair share of fatalities and injuries on farms.” 

The company sought to remind farmers and landowners that in the eyes of the law they carry a duty of care for health and safety if they invite members of the public onto their land. Mr Goddard added “Health and safety law is criminal law and if accidents happen due to a lack of compliance then the penalties can be severe.”

The guide and checklist can be downloaded here.