Agricultural Injuries on the Rise
Personal Injury Solicitors Jefferies LLP say farms and other agricultural businesses across the UK need to take better precautions to prevent workers suffering injuries following accidents at work. New figures for the number of workers who were fatally injured in the agriculture sector have been released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and they show that Agriculture has one of the worst fatal accident and occupational ill health records of any major employment sector.
Less than 1.5% of the working population is employed in agriculture yet the sector is responsible for between 15% and 20% of fatalities to workers each year. The industry also has a rate of self-reported illness which is typically higher than the average for all industries.
In 2009/10 38 agriculture workers were killed at work and of the 38 agriculture workers killed, 17 were employees and 21 were self employed people. These figures are in stark contrast to 2008/09 when 25 workers died. The rate of fatal injuries in the sector is 8.2 per 100,000 workers, making it the most dangerous industry in which to work.
In a statement HSE’s Head of Agriculture, Graeme Walker said:”..Farming and agricultural work has a poor safety record compared with other industries – we cannot let this trend continue.”
Managing Partner of personal injury solicitors, Jefferies LLP, Michael Jefferies comments: “Compared to other UK industry sectors where injuries are on the decline agricultural injuries and deaths seem to be rising.
“Employers owe a duty of care to employees and other visitors to their premises and there is also legislation governing the use of work equipment which forces employers to maintain work equipment in good working order. If an injury is caused due to the failure of equipment, such as farm machinery, the employer may find themselves in receipt of an accident claim made by the person injured in the accident.”
If anyone has suffered as a result of an agricultural accident at work and wants to make an accident claim they can telephone Jefferies LLP for advice on making a claim for compensation on 0800 014 1629 or online at www.jefferies-solicitors.com.
Date Published: 29 July 2010
ENDS
About Jefferies LLP
Jefferies LLP has over 16 years experience in personal injury accident claims. They have won justice and personal injury compensation for tens of thousands of people all over the country from its base in Altrincham, South Manchester. The firm deals with all levels of personal injury claims – from minor to catastrophic.
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