17 October, 2011

Cutting the number of deaths and serious injuries in the Westcountry's farming industry will be a key focus for Cornish Mutual in supporting European Health and Safety Week later this month (24-28 October).

The rural insurance firm, which has Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, is highlighting figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which show that agriculture is the number one sector for fatalities and major injuries.

In 2009/10 there were four deaths in the industry in Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, as well as 72 major injuries and 113 non-fatal injuries in the South West region alone.

The most common causes include being run over, vehicle overturning, falling from height, hit by moving or falling objects, drowning or asphyxiation, contact with machinery or livestock, being trapped by something or contact with electricity.

Cornish Mutual is launching a year-long initiative during European Health and Safety Week to raise awareness of the issues amongst farmers and landowners. Over the next twelve months, the company will be working closely with a number of organisations to promote the 'safer workplace' message.

Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said: "European Health and Safety Week is a really good opportunity to encourage activities that make the workplace much safer and healthier. We will continually remind people not to cut corners when it comes to taking sensible health and safety measures, particularly to help reduce incidents in higher-risk industries like agriculture.

"Given that agriculture is the lifeblood of our regional economy, health and safety is a real issue for farmers and landowners and should be high up on their agenda. Put simply, farmers, landowners and all other businesses in the South West must comply by law. Health and safety legislation exists to protect people from real risks mainly at, or connected with, work but it can cover other areas like schools

In the UK, health and safety law is governed by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Where an employee is killed or injured at work, the Health and Safety Executive can instigate a criminal prosecution, which may result in a financial penalty (fine) and in certain circumstances of corporate manslaughter could result in imprisonment for those individuals responsible. There is also the potential for a negligence claim against the farmer or landowner.

Alan Goddard added: "Ignoring current health and safety legislation and failing to act could have very serious consequences. Business owners could face a costly claim or even a prison sentence if a member of staff is killed or injured while at work. There is no room for complacency when you're potentially putting people's lives at risk through your activity."

Dave Shepherd, Health and Safety Advisor with Safety Cornwall Limited, added: "Although farming has the worst safety record, identifying hazards and taking measures to reduce the risks is the first step for farmers and landowners in helping to improve the situation. Everyone has a responsibility for good health and safety practice and I would urge people to take it seriously. You should look at your own policies and procedures regularly to avoid being caught out. Fewer risks mean fewer accidents and that's the best way of driving down these statistics in the future."

Farmers and landowners in the Westcountry are being reminded that they should have the right insurance cover in place to indemnify them against their legal liabilities, in the event of a death or serious injury. Although it is not compulsory, they are advised to have suitable public liability cover in place. Employers Liability cover, however, is a compulsory insurance.