Boosting on-farm safety
We held a health and safety event at Warwickshire College of Agriculture, Moreton Morrell. The event began with registration and a bacon butty provided by Happy Herefords for more than 80 attendees.
Last year there were 21 fatal accidents on-farm, recorded across all sectors, which is the highest of any industry.
If this does not demonstrate the importance of raising the awareness of your own safety and wellbeing, then what does?
The event had six sections:
- National Grid telling us about incidents involving overhead cables, the potential and real consequences and how to avoid potential hazards
- Yellow Wellies presenting on mental health and your own wellbeing, which is vitally important, especially going into the busy summer season of long, hard hours
- Warwickshire Fire Service were on site with a fire engine, the large animal rescue vehicle and associated crews
- Agco were there talking about PTO safety and procedures around linking up machinery.
- Livestock safety and cattle crush advice were also on-hand.
- Trailer safe loading and strapping advice - a session hosted by our own transport team and Warwickshire Police. It's always helpful to see things from the policing point of view.
Show business
The Kenilworth Show was a great success on a very hot day. We had a great location near the main ring, so footfall was consistent all day with well over 500 cups of tea and coffee and numerous glasses of juice and water served to keep members going.
During the day, we were able to attend a meeting with the local MP, Sir Jeremy Wright, to discuss mental health in farming, hosted by FCN.
Our presence at the show demonstrated just how important it is that we are supporting these rural shows, giving members the ability to meet us and each other to enjoy the social element that occasions like this offer. More MP meetings are planned for the weeks ahead.
Stay safe!