Agriculture safety skills in the spotlight at 2007 Royal Highland Show - 21 May 2007

Last year 45 people were killed in agricultural and related industries and figures published by the Health and Safety Executive* (HSE) revealed that, if you work in this sector, you’re more likely to be involved in an accident that could result in a fatality than in any other industry.

That’s why the HSE and the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working lives have joined forces to host a joint exhibition at this year’s Royal Highland Agricultural Show at Islington to promote information and sources of advice, training and skills for a safe and healthy working life.

Stewart Campbell, HSE Director in Scotland, said:

“Farming, tree work and horticulture involve some of the highest risk jobs, so it’s important that employers and employees know how to manage risks and prevent injury and ill health. The main causes of fatalities and accidents relate to transport, falling from height, livestock, contact with moving machinery and being struck by a falling object.

“A big part of the solution is to improve competence in risk management at all levels of the workforce, as well as focusing on the more traditional skills training. HSE has contributed to the development of industry-specific training in health and safety to help all those in the industry learn how to manage risk, rather than react to problems.”

HSE staff will be on hand at the Royal Highland Show to offer advice about the new vocational qualifications and training opportunities available to the industry, as well as providing general health and safety information relating to the most frequent causes of injury and ill health. How to drive a quad bike (ATV) safely will be one of the key features.

Advice and support will also be available at the stand from Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives advisors. They will be on hand to talk about occupational health and safety and the range of free and confidential services the Centre offers.

Steve Bell, Strategic Director, Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives said:

“When you’re working in a potentially dangerous sector, it’s vital that you are able to cope with the demands placed upon you. The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives can provide a free and confidential workplace assessment to help organisations understand their occupational health and safety duties and develop practical and workable solutions to any issues they may have, and I would urge those in the farming community to take advantage of the support we can offer.”

Throughout the four day long Royal Highland Agricultural Show, people visiting the joint Health and Safety Executive and Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives exhibition can enter a free prize draw to win a range of prizes including a half day driving skills course with Landrover Experience, a framed, signed Scotland Rugby shirt, a year’s subscription to Scottish Farmer magazine, a meal for two, plus four runner up prizes of a pair of Hunter boots - to be drawn daily.

Winners will be drawn from people who correctly answer questions relating to information in the Health and Safety Executive and Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives’ exhibition.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to take a look at HSE’s farm-safe self assessment tool and sign up for the on line newsletter for people working in agriculture.

The Royal Highland Agricultural Show, Ingliston takes place from 21-24 June 2007.

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