A man has been killed while working under a trailer on a farm in Nottinghamshire.
A Health and Safety Executive statement said: “Initial notification is that a worker was killed when working under a trailer. It fell and crushed him.”
See also: Shocking farm trailer inspection data raises safety concerns
The accident happened on Monday 6 June, but it is not clear whether the man who died was a farmer, a farmworker, a contractor or an engineer.
Andy Guy, the NFU’s county adviser for Nottinghamshire, said he was saddened to learn of another fatality in farming.
“We held a health and safety event at the Newark showground in the spring which was attended by 450 people – which was a remarkable turnout for a subject which is often seen as ‘dry’,” he said.
“That reflects the rising importance of health and safety on farms and among the farming community.
“Clearly, what has happened here – and we do not know the exact details – is a tragic loss for a family and a business. It highlights how important it is that people take care of themselves and their teams.
“Our thoughts are with the family that is mourning the loss of a loved one at this very difficult time.”
Tragic loss
John Charles-Jones, an arable farmer based near Nottingham, said: “It is just tragic to read about another fatality in farming.
“When you hear about something like this happening on your own doorstep, it really brings it home.
“There is a lot more awareness of farm safety than previously. But we are just not reaching a huge rump of people. It is frustrating that, as an industry, we are not making any real impact to reduce serious accidents and fatalities on our farms.”
Farm machinery maintenance – safe working
Incidents involving farm machinery make up a worryingly high proportion of fatalities in agriculture.
Here are some of the key rules for safely carrying out maintenance work:
- If you need to raise a vehicle or other equipment to work on it, plan the job carefully.
- If you need to work underneath a raised vehicle or equipment, do not rely on lifting equipment or hydraulics alone to support the load. Use suitable stands, props, braces or scotch mechanisms.
- Never work beneath a vehicle that is only supported on jacks; use axle stands that are in good condition and suitably rated for the load.
- Know the weight of the load and the capacity of your lifting equipment and lifting accessories (chains, slings etc).
- Ensure that equipment used to raise the load and mechanisms used to support the load are well maintained and suitable for the task.
- Ensure that lifting equipment and lifting accessories are examined every 12 months (six months for accessories and certain equipment) and a Report of Thorough Examination is obtained.
- Where relevant, use the Safe Stop procedure: 1. Engage handbrake. 2. Controls in neutral. 3. Switch off engine. 4. Remove key.
Sources: Farm Safety Partnership / Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee
