Northumberland farmers urged to put safety first at NFU event
More than 40 farmers and farm workers learned valuable health and safety lessons at an NFU event to help them stay safe while they continue to produce the nation’s food.
The event was held on Tuesday 20 October at Northumberland College's Kirkley Hall Campus and farmers were invited to take part in a series of practical sessions to stay safe and take lessons back to their farm businesses.
The event was organised by the NFU and Northumberland Farmer Network. Those who attended watched live sheep and livestock demonstrations by manufacturer Te Pari and received advice on livestock handling systems and best practice from industry experts.
Farmers also heard an update from NFU Chief Livestock Adviser John Royle and had the opportunity to speak with local vets and rural organisations about a range of livestock and safety issues including bluetongue virus.
A free health check was also available throughout the event, reinforcing the importance of looking after both physical and mental wellbeing alongside undertaking safe practices on farm.
Agriculture has one of the UK's lowest safety records, with livestock handling continuing to be one of the most common causes of farm-related injuries. The event aimed to raise awareness of the risks involved in working with livestock and provide practical solutions that farmers could take back to their own businesses.
The event was supported by local vets and farming organisations, who were on hand to provide advice and answer questions from attendees.
A stronger culture of safety
NFU Northumberland County Adviser Charlotte Dring said: “There is a growing acknowledgement across the agriculture sector that we must improve safety on farm. , Events like this play a vital role in sharing knowledge, encouraging good practice and helping farmers look after both their physical and mental wellbeing.
"It was fantastic to see so many members attend and engage with the demonstrations and discussions.
“By working together as an industry, we can help create a stronger culture of safety and ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day."
The NFU continues to work with partners across the industry to promote safer working practices and encourage farmers to prioritise their health, wellbeing and safety alongside the day-to-day demands of running a farm business.
