New figures published this week have shown agricultural workers are almost 50% more likely to become ill compared to their counterparts in other industries.
The NFU is urging the farming industry to reverse the stigma around mental wellbeing as statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive identified stress, depression and anxiety as some of the main causes of work-related ill health.
The report outlines that the overall illness rate for agricultural workers is 46% higher than the average across other industries.
It also highlighted that stress, depression and anxiety are significant causes of ill health alongside musculoskeletal disorders and lung disease.
Key figures
- The non-fatal injury rate for agricultural workers is 105% higher than the industry average;
- The cost of ill health and injury in agriculture is estimated at £293 million.
NFU vice president and chairman of the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) Stuart Roberts said: “We all know that agriculture has a poor track record when it comes to physical injuries in the workplace, and the FSP is working with the industry to reverse this. But what we have often overlooked is our mental wellbeing.
“British farmers and growers are incredibly passionate about the role they have in producing safe, traceable and affordable food for the nation.
“Yet the environment they work in can often leave them feeling isolated, and the stress that comes with financial pressures, outbreaks of disease, volatile weather, as well as Brexit uncertainties, can leave farmers feeling vulnerable.
We need to start treating mental wellbeing as we would a physical injury. If you’ve pulled a muscle, you rest it; if you have back pain, you go and see a doctor.
“But first, we must be able to recognise when there is a problem and we must be able to talk about it.
“The FSP has set a target of reducing fatalities on farms but to achieve this industry needs to open up. The Partnership is working to increase the conversation about mental and physical health so our minds and bodies can be kept safe in our place of work.”
