Farmers in Scotland must pay closer attention to how they manage workplace risk or face serious penalties, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The announcement comes as the latest round of inspections on health and safety standards on farms is about to start.

The HSE states that it will not hesitate to use enforcement to bring about improvements if farmers are not complying with the law to prevent death, injury and ill-health.

The HSE is looking into specific areas including:

  • Machinery.
  • Falls from height.
  • Children.
  • Livestock.

    • Agriculture continues to have poorest record of any industry in Britain and latest figures show that 39 people were killed in agriculture across Britain in 2018/19 - around 18 times higher than the all industry fatal injury rate.

    'Signs of change'

    HSE’s acting head of agriculture Andrew Turner said: “We are seeing signs of a change in attitude across the farming industry and while this is encouraging, these inspections act as a reminder to farmers of the importance of managing risks so that everyone can go home healthy and safe from work.

    Those that work with the industry can be part of the change that is so badly needed

    “Everyone involved in farming has a role to play. Those working in the industry need to understand the risks they face and the simple ways they can be managed. Those that work with the industry can be part of the change that is so badly needed.

    “Farmers, managers and workers are reminded that death, injuries and cases of ill-health are not an inevitable part of farming.”

    The HSE has a range of resources and guides available to help employers and employees improve health and safety on farms.