In the last 10 years, 388 farmers, family members or farm workers have been killed on British farms with 38 of these incidents occurring on Welsh farms, according to the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW).
In addition to this, thousands more have suffered serious injuries which changed lives forever.
With this in mind, the FUW is reminding farmers to book their space at the upcoming ‘Saving lives and livelihoods’ farm safety awareness events.
A statement from the union said: “Being safe on the farm and reducing the high level of accidents should be a priority for all who live and step foot on farm holdings.”
The Wales Farm Safety Partnership (WFSP), is a collaboration between all the key organisations representing agriculture and allied industries in Wales.
WFSP has said it is determined to reduce these stubbornly high statistics by persuading farmers of all ages to attend a regional workshop on general farm safety.
The day will include short practical demonstrations that could help farmers to reduce the risks of farm accidents and injuries.
Some aspects to be covered at the event will be:
- General farm safety;
- Child safety;
- Safe handling of livestock;
- Working at heights;
- Operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) safely;
- Safe use of farm machinery;
- Lifting trucks and tractors securely;
- Handling chemicals safely.
The next two of these events will be held on Tuesday, August 28, at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys; and on Wednesday, August 29, at Ruthin Livestock Market, Parc Glastir, Ruthin.
Both events start at 1:00pm and finish at 4:00pm.
Huw Jones, the FUW representative on the WFSP, said: “These training courses are not to be missed. Safety on farms is of paramount importance and these farm safety awareness events offer plenty of good advice and examples of what you can do to make sure you come home safe.”
A place can be booked by visiting the Business Wales website or contacting: 0845-6000-813.
