The FSP (Farm Safety Partnership) has raised serious concerns over the recent decision by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) to halt farm safety inspections.
The FSP fears that the decision will pose significant risks to the health and safety of agricultural workers in the farming sector.
In 2022, HSE launched its new strategy, Protecting People and Places, which will run until 2032.
As part of this strategy, HSE recently announced to the FSP that it would no longer be running ACE (Agricultural Compliance Event) inspections once the current season finishes at the end of spring 2024.
Chair of the Farm Safety Partnership, and NFU deputy president, David Exwood said:
“We cannot afford to compromise on the safety of our farmers, and the decision to halt inspections is deeply troubling and we urge the government and HSE to reconsider.”
“We simply must prioritise the wellbeing of the nation’s farmers and growers.”
The HSE has decided to focus on occupational health issues rather than safety inspections. It will continue to provide investigative inspections in response to serious incidents on farms.
The HSE advised that despite efforts over several decades, there has not been a significant reduction in the fatality rate for agriculture.
The HSE added that the reduction in numbers of fatal injuries have been connected to a reduction in the numbers working in the industry since the 1980s.
Exwood said that the lack of public awareness surrounding this decision raises serious questions about the HSE’s prioritisation of the farming sector.
“The lack of all regular inspections, training and events leaves a notable gap in proactive and preventative safety measures that could prevent accidents and save lives.
“This decision by HSE completely goes against that goal,” the deputy president added.
The deputy president is calling on the Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) to recognise the “critical implications” of this decision.
He added that the FSP is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of agricultural workers, and will continue to implement safe practices of those working in agriculture.
