Suffolk Farmers' Leader Slams HSE Decision to Halt Farm Safety Inspections

George Gittus, a prominent Suffolk farmers' leader, has strongly criticized the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) decision to halt farm safety inspections. The move comes in the wake of 32 farm deaths in the UK in the year to April 2024, highlighting the agriculture industry's poor safety record.

Why this matters: The halt in farm safety inspections can have devastating consequences for the lives of farmers, farm workers, and their families, and may lead to a further increase in agricultural accidents and fatalities. Moreover, this decision may undermine the efforts to improve safety standards in the industry, ultimately affecting the overall wellbeing of rural communities.

The HSE announced that it will switch focus to occupational health issues instead of conducting regular farm safety inspections, citing financial constraints. However, the agency will continue to provide investigative inspections in response to serious incidents such as on-farm accidents or deaths.

David Exwood, NFU Deputy President and Chair of the Farm Safety Partnership, expressed deep concern over the decision, stating, "The decision to halt inspections is deeply troubling and we urge the government and HSE to reconsider and continue to work collaboratively with farmers to help ensure they are compliant. We simply must prioritise the wellbeing of the nation's farmers and growers."

Exwood further emphasized the potential consequences of this move, saying, "While the HSE assures us that investigative inspections will continue in response to serious incidents, 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."

Agriculture has one of the highest rates of fatalities and serious injuries in any workplace. Exwood stressed the need for a cultural shift in farm safety, stating, "Agriculture has one of the highest rates of fatalities and serious injuries in any workplace and to help bring this number down, as a sector we need to work on changing the culture of farm safety. This decision by HSE completely goes against that goal."

The Farm Safety Partnership (FSP), a collaborative effort between various organizations to promote safe work practices in agriculture, is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of agricultural workers. The FSP plans to engage in conversations with the government and the wider industry to support the development and implementation of policies and practices that safeguard the livelihoods of those working in agriculture.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is calling on the government to reconsider the HSE's decision and prioritize the safety of farmers, farm workers, and those living on or visiting farms. With 32 farm deaths in the UK in the past year and agriculture's poor safety record, the NFU and other industry leaders believe that halting farm safety inspections could have severe repercussions for the health and wellbeing of those working in the sector.

Key Takeaways

• HSE halts farm safety inspections due to financial constraints.
• 32 farm deaths in the UK in the past year highlight poor safety record.
• Industry leaders criticize decision, citing potential devastating consequences.
• HSE will focus on occupational health issues instead of regular inspections.
• NFU and Farm Safety Partnership urge government to reconsider decision.