He writes:
Our joint event at the Great Yorkshire Show focussed on some of the unique challenges of working in agriculture, one of which is the number of British farmers who work beyond the normal retirement age.
The event was funded by the EU Agency for Safety and Health at Work as part of an EU-wide campaign promoting safe and health working conditions throughout the whole working life. This is an important issue as current estimates suggest that by 2030 workers aged 55-64 are expected to make up 30% or more of the workforce in many EU countries and the UK.
In many ways British farming already face the issue of an aging workforce. On Defra’s 2013 stats, 34 per cent of farmers are over 65 years old and 62 per cent are over 55.
Older workers in agriculture also face the challenge that they are more at risk of suffering a fatal injury. The latest report from the HSE shows that around half of all worker fatalities in 2015/16 were to workers aged over 65.
The event was led by our Vice-president Guy Smith and Rick Brunt, head of agriculture at the HSE, and attended by UK farming unions, government, businesses and farmers. Discussions covered who was vulnerable; how age influences attitudes; how generations influence each other and possible solutions.
Making all of our industry fit for the 21st century is not a one-off task but something that needs constant work. One way to move the industry forward is to identify the risks that all workers face, but to especially consider older workers, as reaction times and resilience inevitably decline with age. I want to see commitment and enthusiasm continued and translated into positive actions which make working in agriculture better for all.
We all need to play a part in helping workers in the industry have long and continuing careers by creating safe, healthy and sustainable working conditions throughout the whole working life. This is good for workers, business and society as a whole.