NFU branch hosts vital health and safety event

04 June 2026
Members in a room attending the health and safety event

As part of the regional priority of business resilience, the South Essex branch hosted an interactive event open to all NFU Essex members. 

The session provided a stark, realistic look into the legal aftermath of a serious on-farm accident.

Experienced HSE solicitors Ruth Barber (Tees Law) and Jon Cooper (Womble Bond Dickenson) led the day, supported by colleagues from Tees Law, the NFU's panel firm.

They demonstrated and explained HSE and police involvement following a major incident, giving members advice on how to act, and demonstrating the importance of reducing risks.

After being given a scenario of an on-farm accident, members discussed the details and shared feedback with the legal experts followed by an overview of HSE investigations.

The day culminated in mock PACE interviews under caution with NFU members James Hawkes and Elena Benton playing the roles of the farmers involved. Attendees had an insight to the scrutiny business face during an official investigation.

NFU County Adviser Hamish Debnam-Sharp said: "The event demonstrated how health and safety is not just a box to be ticked but a basic requirement of a sustainable farming business and an essential part of daily farm management.

"With the tragic statistic of seven farm deaths in the past seven weeks, it is a stark reminder there is still work to be done to keep our farms safe."

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