Farming News - HSE appoints new head of agriculture
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HSE appoints new head of agriculture
A new head of agriculture has been appointed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Rick Brunt leaves his position as head of field operations for the North West to replace Graeme Walker who retires from HSE after 37 years service.
The head of agriculture will work closely with industry and will lead a Unit of 11 specialist inspectors, policy officials and support staff.
Despite improvements in recent years, agriculture remains one of Britain’s most dangerous industries. Twenty nine workers were killed in 2012/13 and the average fatality rate, over the last five years, is much higher than in any other industry.
“It has been nearly nine years since I was last working closely with the industry, and while much has changed, many of the underlying problems are all too familiar.
“Under Graeme’s leadership a lot has been achieved in recent years, and I look forward to building on those achievements and once again working with and supporting the agricultural industry as it promotes a culture where risk isn’t accepted as a given and those involved in the industry recognise that the toll of deaths and injuries can be further reduced.”
Graeme Walker said:
“During my five years as head of agriculture, a great deal of progress has been made by industry in tackling the problems inherent in agricultural working.
“By developing leadership from within, through initiatives such as the farm safety and forestry partnerships, industry is beginning to address the behavioural and cultural factors that lead to unwise risk taking and unsafe practices.
“I’m pleased to be handing over to Rick who in fact started out his career at HSE as an agriculture Inspector. He will have the full support of the dedicated and hard working sector team, and I am confident he will continue to provide vital support to industry to encourage them to bring about further improvements to their safety record.”