The announcement that the Wales Farm Safety Partnership will receive £46,000 to promote Health and Safety within the agricultural and forestry sector, has been described as a “milestone” in tackling the problem.
The funding will be used to support the partnership’s campaign ‘Working together to make farming safer’.
Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) president Glyn Roberts said: “This is a milestone in tackling the issue of farm safety and I welcome the announcement wholeheartedly.
Considering that there were a tragic 144 fatal injuries to British workers in 2017-2018, with agriculture accounting for 29% of the fatalities, it is time we see a change in these statistics.
“I hope that through this program we can see a noticeable decline of tragic accidents and make our farms safer places to work.”
The FUW is a longstanding partner of the Wales Farm Safety Partnership and will continue to promote best practices in line with Health and Safety Executive Guidelines.
“We have long campaigned for better awareness and for farmers to make a change to their attitude towards farm safety.
“With this in mind, I hope that many more will engage with the Farming Connect mentoring programme, which has been running for two years now has helped over 100 farmers and foresters get a better understanding of the risks and hazards they face in their everyday working environment,” added Roberts.
‘Never been more important’
Making the announcement today at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “Farm safety is a lifestyle, not a slogan.
“We must not lose sight of the fact – as with any industry or business sector – workplace health and safety and any measures and costs associated with making the farm safe are the responsibility of individual farm businesses.
“It has never been more important than it is right now for farmers in Wales to look at what is on offer from Farming Connect.
“The Farming Connect mentoring programme has a track record of providing valuable support helping individuals and businesses identify risks, eliminate hazards and reduce the risk of accidents with the business.”
