NO-ONE ever plans to have an accident. In farming, most people are fairly aware of the risks they face. And many are also aware of the risks they take – often on a regular basis.
But few, perhaps, take the time to consider the consequences for them or their family or friends should that risk turn out to be the one time things go catastrophically wrong.
It is evident from the news from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) this week, that something is seriously wrong in farming. Its statistics show the number of major incidents such as broken bones or amputations has increased by 40 per cent in the last three years.
That is following stats earlier in the year which saw agriculture branded as the most dangerous occupation of all, accounting for one-in-four workplace deaths, despite the fact only 1.5 per cent of the population is employed in agriculture.
It is not a cheery subject, and not one anyone really wants to spend too much time thinking about. We know the jobs we do are sometimes risky, and almost all of us know someone who has had a serious injury or has tragically died.
So why are things getting so much worse? Last month’s farm safety summit, hosted by the NFU and HSE, heard a raft of reasons, one of the most compelling being that the ‘macho’ farming culture meant people were too often afraid to say no to things they knew were dangerous or not right.
Unlike the construction industry, many farmers and their staff work alone – solely responsible for their own safety. There is little peer pressure to not do something when you are the only person for miles around. The temptation to think ‘it’ll be fine – just this once’ is a compelling one.
It isn’t easy when you are working flat out, often facing growing financial pressure and feeling you have to do it all. But the alternative, after having an accident, can be so much worse.
It is time we all stopped thinking ‘it’ll be fine – just this once’.
FG News Blog 