Official figures for Scotland from the Health and Safety Executive have shown agriculture is the most dangerous sector to work in. The latest report by the HSE shows that nine of the fifteen workplace fatalities in the country between April 2010 and March 2011 were in agriculture. 

The fatalities in agriculture profession account for 60 per cent of all work related deaths in Scotland over the period. Six of the fatal incidents involved vehicles.

Upon the report’s release Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said more has to be done ensure the health and safety record of Scottish agriculture improves.

Mr Lochhead said, "Agriculture is a vital industry to Scotland and one we can rightly be proud of; however, it can also be hazardous - too many farmers pay the ultimate price to produce the nation's food.

"I urge Scotland's farmers and crofters to take heed of these tragedies in their day-to-day working. Scottish Government inspectors will continue to support the HSE in getting the safety message out across around the country, to improve the health and safety record of our industry."

Figures for the rest of Britain reveal a similar story; agriculture has one of the worst records for injuries and fatalities at work. Paul Stollard, head of the HSE in Scotland, commented, "Agriculture is still one of the most dangerous professions in Britain. What is most frustrating is that the causes of incidents remain stubbornly the same, such as falls from height and overturned vehicles.

"These incidents can be avoided, often through simple, low-cost steps. That's why we are continuing our programme of awareness days, and why we are committing to working closely with the industry and regulatory partners."

Industry works with HSE to promote on farm safety

Several groups, including the NFU are working with the HSE to promote a change in attitudes towards safety at work and remind farmers of important safety advice, which could prove lifesaving. The HSE’s ‘Make the promise. Come home safe’ campaign has been well received and even won two PR awards in 2010.

The HSE and its partners in government and industry are also currently hosting Safety and Health Awareness Days (SHADs); these are half day sessions which feature practical demonstrations covering the everyday hazards faced by workers in the agriculture industry. Each demonstration shows good practice that anyone working in the sector can use after the event to spot and deal with potential dangers.

This Autumn 8,000 places are available at SHADs taking place across the country. SHAD organisers can be contacted at agriculture.shads@hse.gsi.gov.uk 

Commenting on the Scottish statistics, NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller said, "If we are to turn around our industry's tragic record for deaths and injuries, then farmers and their staff need to change their mindset when it comes to safety on farm.”

The following SHADs will be taking place in November:

03/11/2011 - Ayr Mart, Craig Wilson Ltd, Livestock Auction Mart, Whitefordhill, Ayrshire, KA6 5JW

08/11/2011 - Elgin (Fochabers), Elgin Auction Centre, New Elgin Road, Elgin, IV30 3BE

10/11/2011 - Lochaber Rural Complex, Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SW

24/11/2011 - Withybush Showground, Haverfordwest, Dyfed, SA62 4BW