A farming business in Faversham, Kent has been fined for “multiple health and safety breaches” which placed employees and others at risk, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The farming business named as Seymour Stevens Ltd., operated a beef and arable farm in Faversham, Kent. A site visit carried out by the HSE in November 2022 reportedly identified “multiple, serious health and safety failings”.
The HSE investigation found one of the barns, used as a through route by an employee, to be deemed unsafe to enter due to its poor structural state.
The HSE claimed that the farming business was aware of this but had taken the decision not to repair the shed due to the costs, but had continued to allow its use.
A number of electrical faults were also identified within that shed.
In another shed, the roof was “insecurely fixed” and was being weighed down with a straw bale in an attempt to prevent it from moving. The roof sheeting was also in poor condition, according to the HSE investigation.
In addition to this, bull pens were broken and rusty, which raised a red flag of how the gates could contain a bull.
Following the HSE investigation, during the Christmas period in 2022, a bull had managed to escape the farm and was brought back to site by the police.
Previous to the investigation, the company had been invited to attend paid-for ‘Preparing for Inspection’ courses which have been developed in partnership with industry.
According to the HSE, they did not take up that offer, missing the opportunity to learn more about their health and safety responsibilities and to better manage the risks.
Seymour Stevens Ltd., pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. act 1974 and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £4,830 in costs at a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court.
After the hearing, HSE inspector, Peter Bruce said:
“While agriculture accounts for just 1% of the working population, it accounts for about 20% of workplace fatalities.
“In the case at Seymour Stevens farm, there were failings to manage health and safety risks associated with animals and falling objects.”
Bruce stated that employees and members of the public were put at risk, despite previous warnings been given to the company by its staff.
The HSE is focusing on the dangers of livestock as part of this year’s ‘Your Farm, Your Future’ campaign relaunched recently.
The campaign shares advice on working with livestock, and is hosted on its ‘Your Farm, Your Future’ website, to assist farmers and workers and keep them safe.
This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer, Jon Mack and supported by HSE paralegal officer, Lucy Gallagher.
