With extra maize planted this year and record yields predicted due to ample rain over the summer, the rural insurer is concerned of an increased risk of mud being deposited on roads during harvest.

“Many dairy farmers have put more fields down to maize this year or grown the crop for the first time to counteract the high costs of bought-in feed,” said Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist.

“Plenty of rain over the summer has led to very heavy crops in many parts of the country, and we are concerned that harvesting these could lead to problems including mud left on roads by tractors and trailers.”

She explained this is a typical problem with crops harvested in the autumn when heavy rainfall is likely.

“We’re advising farmers harvesting maize to prepare for poor conditions by putting in place plans to use measures such as field wheel washers, warning signs and road sweepers to reduce the risk of a road traffic accident which could lead to deaths or injuries – plus the risk of prosecution.”

Other crops harvested in autumn – including sugar beet and potatoes can also lead to mud being let on roads. Moreover, tractors moving between fields during ploughing and other cultivation operations can lead to large mud clots being left on roads which can prove hazardous to road users, and particularly motorcyclists.

From a legal standpoint, farmers must take steps to prevent mud being left on the roads by their vehicles, NFU Mutual confirmed.

If mud is inadvertently left, farmers are responsible for cleaning it up as soon as possible and putting in place warning signs while there is a hazard.

NFU Mutual Mud on Roads Checklist

The following checklist was compiled by NFU Mutual Risk Management Services to serve as a guideline for farmers operating machinery on public roads during harvest:

• Do everything possible to prevent mud being deposited on the road – including cleaning mud from vehicles in the field, as far as practicable, before they are taken onto the road
• Buy or be prepared to hire-in equipment such as wheel washers and self-propelled road sweepers to clean up accidentally deposited mud – avoid manual clean-ups to keep people off the road as much as possible
• Keep to your own private farm roads and minor public roads whenever possible
• Keep to low speeds – especially when travelling short distances – to help retain mud on the vehicle
• Keep a written record (e.g. a simple note in a farm diary) of your decisions on whether or not to deploy signs and/or to clean the road
• If there is a danger of mud being accidentally deposited on roads, use ‘Slippery Road’ signs with a ‘Mud on Road’ sub plate to alert other road users
• Make sure signs are positioned to give maximum visibility to other road users, especially at sharp corners and blind summits
• Clean the road as often as necessary during the working day – and always at the end of the working day
• Ensure that staff and equipment are available for clean-up work (including high visibility clothing for operatives working on the highway) and is suitable for the soil and weather conditions present
• Where a farm contractor is used, ensure that prior agreement is reached on who is responsible for mud on road issues – including wheel washing in fields, use of signage and clean-up

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Agriculture is known for having the poorest safety record of all industries in the UK, accounting for 18% of all workplace fatalities despite employing just 1% of the population (July 2023 figures).

The latest statistics reveal farming, forestry and fishing were responsible for 12 out of the 27 work-related deaths between April and June this year, an alarming rate considering there were 21 fatalities in the sector for the entirety of last year.

Tom McNeill, partner at law firm BCL Solicitors, commented: “Today’s workplace fatality figures show that April to June this year was a particularly severe quarter for UK agriculture, with 12 fatalities.

“This, sadly, reflects an ongoing trend in the sector for having the highest fatal accident rate compared to other industries.”

Mr McNeill went on to say that the latest statistics are a concern for employees as well as farm business owners in terms of the consequences that may follow a fatal accident.

Like other businesses, farms must also comply with rigorous health and safety guidelines, with unlimited fines and imprisonment possible for those failing to do so.

“What sets agriculture apart from many other industries is that over half of farms are sole traders, and often business owners and managers are involved in day-to-day operations.

“Following a fatal accident, this means an increased risk for farmers of being prosecuted for manslaughter; and for farms that are operated through a corporate entity an increased risk of corporate manslaughter,” he warned.

“For individuals, a manslaughter conviction will likely mean a significant prison sentence. For organisations, corporate manslaughter means higher fines than even draconian health and safety penalties, and for smaller organisations a greater risk of being fined out of existence.”

The above risks may affect how farmers wish to structure their businesses, he continued, with a case involving a fatal accident requiring robust defence from the get-go.

“A proactive and strategic approach will mitigate the risk of corporate manslaughter, and protect individuals from the risk of prosecution, as well as mitigating health and safety risks for organisations,” Mr McNeill said.

The latest quarterly fatal injury figures are available to download at hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatalquarterly.htm

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Storm Agnes is forecast to hit the UK on Wednesday and Thursday and is the first storm of this storm naming season, which runs from 1^st September until 31^st August every year.

The Met Office warns of damaging winds of up to 75mph in many parts of the UK, with gales of 80mph possible in more exposed areas.

Gusts of 75mph could be strong enough to rip roofing sheets and cladding off rural homes and farm buildings, while fallen trees, branches and debris could cause damage to agricultural vehicles, machinery and livestock. Heavy rain could also lead to localised flooding.

NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns said: “We know isolated rural communities, farms and dwellings are more at risk from extreme weather and with more storms likely to hit between now and the end of winter, we are urging everyone to plan ahead and take great care if working outside in stormy conditions.

“Safety for farmers, family members and workers should always be the number one priority and while fully understanding the pressures farmers are under, it is vital they avoid taking risks which could lead to injury or fatalities,” she stressed.

Ms Binns urged farmers to stay away from barn doors in windy conditions and to always let someone know where they are working and for how long.

She also encouraged farmers to plan ahead while the weather is calm and designate areas where livestock can be moved to in the even of a flood. This is also the time to carry out any outstanding repairs on buildings, fences and walls.

“It is also worth checking alternative fuel and power sources in case of a power cut or disruption, such as making sure generators are in working condition and able to run at full load for long periods of time,” she added.

Keeping up-to-date with weather warnings is also important, and NFU Mutual has a network of 295 Agency offices who are on standby to progress repairs after the storms, including making emergency payments and settling simpler claims immediately.

“We also work closely with loss adjusters specialising in agriculture, so we are able to quickly deploy people who understand your farming businesses,” Ms Binns assured.

Protecting yourself and your farm in a storm

To help farmers take the necessary precautions as the storm season gets underway, NFU Mutual has issued advice on what to do before, during and after a storm.

Before the storm 

• Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings.
• Regularly inspect your farm and keep on top of maintenance by carrying out necessary repairs to buildings, fences and walls whilst the weather is calm.
• Check that tiles, slates, and roofing sheets are in place and put away any items that cannot be secured.
• Avoid being near barn doors if there are high winds.
• Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.
• Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.
• Ensure you have a good tree inspection programme in place, paying particular attention to trees bordering buildings, roads, railway lines and rights of way.
• Prepare for power cuts: have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use, and can run at full load for long periods of time, if required.
• Plan evacuation routes to get staff and livestock to safety in the case of extreme weather such as floods – identify higher ground that you can move livestock to in event of flooding.
• Have your insurer’s emergency helpline available. Call NFU Mutual’s 24-hour commercial helpline freephone number on 080028265.

During the storm

• Do not leave the house or make journeys unless absolutely necessary.
• If you need to leave the house, avoid the sheltered side of walls when walking.
• If journeys are essential, drive slowly and carefully, staying aware of high winds on exposed roads and ice and water on the road.
• Do not attempt emergency repairs during the storm.
• Keep all building doors and windows closed.

After the storm 

• Be aware after a storm or weather event, power cables or powerlines may have been brought down.
• Do not enter any buildings that could be unsafe following a storm.
• Report any damage to NFU Mutual as soon as possible.

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With the harvesting season upon us, now is the perfect time to examine the risks of processing and storing grain.

Machinery has revolutionised farming by increasing production and reducing the number of hands needed. It has also created some of the highest risks of injury and/or death. The farming industry has a high rate of workplace accidents, so health and safety should be at the front of everyone’s mind.

With the harvesting season upon us, now is the perfect time to examine one of the lesser-known risks – processing and storing grain. Here are some of the main risks to be considered when working with grain.

Confined spaces – grain silos

Grain silos are dangerous due to the high risk of engulfment, a lack of breathable air, and the mechanical hazards of sweep augers. If possible, you must avoid entering these spaces. If the hazard is unavoidable e.g. for essential maintenance, a detailed risk assessment and Permit to Work are necessary to anticipate the many risks a worker would face.

A rescue plan should be outlined and rehearsed ahead of emergencies occurring to prevent rescuers from being overcome.

Grain goes through a vigorous process before it is ready for distribution, including ensuring the temperature is kept constant to dry the grain out. Climbing up onto the silo to check grain temperature carries high risk and even a small mistake could prove fatal.

Although the grain may seem solid, anyone stepping onto it risks being engulfed as the grain cannot support an average person’s weight. People have also slipped and fallen to their death while checking grain temperature. These incidents, although rare, have a high fatality rate. The suction-like action and weight prevents victims from resurfacing and makes rescue incredibly difficult.

Before inspecting grain silos, a rescue plan should be outlined and rehearsed.

Falls from height/slips and trips

Ladders and stair access to equipment present a high injury risk – falls from height are the most common type of fatal injury at work with 40 deaths in 2022. Added to this are slip/trip risks from obstructions and uneven floors.

Good housekeeping and regular maintenance of access equipment plus staff training on working at height safely reduce the risks considerably.

Harvest machinery

Machinery, such as screw conveyors, rotary valves, roller mills and mixers, can all cause serious injury if operators don’t follow all health and safety procedures.

Hazards with machinery usually occur during maintenance, cleaning or when refilling the silos. A detailed risk assessment must be carried out to identify risks and controls before anyone operates any machinery. These should be regularly revisited and updated. We recommend annual risk assessments as a minimum to ensure any damage is identified and additional controls are put in place where needed.

All machinery during harvest season can pose a danger to you and all others on your farm.

Transporting grain

Lift trucks and trailers when moving around site or tipping grain present high risks to pedestrians. A site-specific traffic management plan including vehicle/pedestrian separation and sufficient banksmen on site will control significant risks.

Manual sack handling

Heavy sacks should be mechanically lifted/handled wherever possible with manual handling kept to a minimum.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)

Noisy machinery and equipment can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss for workers. Aim to reduce exposure to as low as reasonably practicable by reducing shift lengths and modifying the plant, machinery, and working environment. Ear protectors are a last resort as the least effective measure.

Are protectors are the least effective measure to reduce hearing loss.

Hazardous substances

Commonly used chemicals such as chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and sulphur dioxide can harm workers. Tight controls and high awareness of how to handle, store and dispose of hazardous substances is essential.

Bottles require clear labelling with the relevant icons identifying the danger, i.e. ‘corrosive’ or ‘flammable’. This is a legal requirement.

Grain dust

Exposure to excess grain and flour dust can cause occupational asthma. This is a big one. 33% of all food industry compensation cases are to do with asthma contracted as a result of working with flour and grain dust. If not properly controlled, milling and other manufacturing processes can generate a lot of airborne dust. This is easily inhaled by workers, who are then vulnerable to asthma, rhinitis (runny/stuffy nose), conjunctivitis (watery or prickly eyes) and other irritant effects.

Good ventilation at source will prevent excess generation of dust.

Regular monitoring of dust levels is vital, as is maintenance of associated machinery and equipment. Health surveillance should be put in place for all workers exposed to dust hazards.

Plenty to think about

If you have made it this far, you’ll know that there are dangers in every part of the harvesting process. Make sure that the handling of grain is at the top of your priority list during this harvest season.

The post Handling grain – 8 hazards and dangers to consider appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration purposes.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue were called to a field near Ipswich yesterday (16^th August) after a combine harvester fire spread to around three acres of crop.

Services were called at 4.30pm to the field in Henley Road, Akenham.

Four appliances and a UniMog were deployed to bring the fire under control, using hose-reel jets on the combine and field.

No casualties were reported but the fire generated large plumes of smoke which could be seen for some distance.

A spokesperson for the fire service said the blaze was brought under control fairly quickly and a ‘Stop’ notice was issued shortly after 6pm, indicating that the situation had been contained and no further assistance was required.

Crews may be working for some time at the site but the incident was declared closed at 10pm.

The post Combine harvester blaze in Suffolk spread to three acres of cut crop appeared first on Farmers Guide.

Stock photo for illustration purposes only.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision involving a tractor and a lorry near the A1120 and Angel Hill junctions in Little Stonham.

Suffolk police officers were called to the scene just before 12:40pm where the casualties were being attended by locals before handing over to the emergency services, counting one ambulance, two Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles, two ambulance officer vehicles and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

The driver of the tractor, a man aged in his 30s, was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s hospital having sustained potentially life-threatening injuries. The driver of the lorry, a man also in his 30s, also sustained injuries and was transported by road ambulance to Ipswich Hospital.

The condition of the drivers is currently unknown.

Among the first witnesses to arrive to the scene was farmer and conservationist Graham Denny, who alerted the emergency services and provided first aid to the tractor driver.

In a Twitter post, he described approaching the smashed tractor as ‘heart stopping’ and said all those present were ‘in shock and running on adrenaline’.

Working in collaboration with strangers, Mr Denny stabilised the man who appeared to be in critical condition and was covered in diesel leaking from the tractor, meanwhile speaking to the switchboard and ensuring traffic is diverted off the A140 to allow easy access for emergency services.

After handing over to a paramedic, Mr Denny attempted to identify the man by contacting farmers in the local area and was eventually able to uncover his identity using the number plate of the tractor. He continued assisting at the scene and directing traffic until 8pm.

The A140 was blocked in both directions between Coddenham Crossroads and Mendlesham, whilst emergency services attended to the collision and police investigated the scene. The road reopened at approximately 11:50pm.

Suffolk Police are urging any witnesses to the collision, any motorists with dash cam footage and anybody with information to come forward by contacting the Roads and Armed Policing Team and quoting CAD 137 of 2^nd August.

Information can also be provided by filling out the online form here.

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With agricultural vehicles being subjected to increased workloads, varying terrains, and extended periods of use, it is essential to ensure their tyres are in optimal condition. TyreSafe, the UK tyre safety organisation, is working with other industry groups such as the NFU to raise awareness about tyre safety and provide guidance and support for farmers.

Run annually by farming charity Yellow Wellies, Farm Safety Week from 17^th to 21^st July provides a timely reminder for farmers to assess and address any potential tyre issues that could compromise their safety and that of other road users.

TyreSafe encourages farmers to follow key guidelines to maintain tyre safety, using the acronyms ‘A.C.T’ – air pressure, condition and tread.

1. Correct Tyre Air Pressure: Ensure tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure levels as specified by the manufacturer. Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can affect vehicle stability and increase the risk of accidents.

2. Condition: Inspect tyres regularly for signs of wear, bulges, cuts, and punctures. Pay particular attention to sidewall damage, as it can lead to sudden blowouts.

3. Adequate Tread Depth: Monitor tread depth regularly using a reliable depth gauge. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. However, for agricultural trailers, it is recommended to have a minimum tread depth of 3mm for optimal performance.

Farmers are also urged to check load capacity, ensuring trailers are not overloaded, as it puts excessive strain on the tyres and increases the risk of tyre failure. Operators are advised to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum load capacities.

In addition, if using agricultural trailers, the following checks should be performed pre-season and then daily to ensure:

• Tyre pressures are set for the imposed load and the speed of travel.
• Check the load and speed index of the tyres on the trailer to make sure they are going to have sufficient capacity for the imposed load and speed of operation.
• There are no gouges/blisters or bulges / deep cuts to the tyre casing. The casing should be checked for signs of ageing (such as ozone damage to the sidewalls) which will be evident by multiple cracks (perishing) in the sidewall.
• There are no steel or textile cords showing anywhere (sidewall or tread band).
• The tread band is not loose or detaching from the casing (can be common if someone is using a cheap truck remold or cold cap product on their agricultural trailer).
• The tread band is free from deep cuts and is not harbouring any flint or stone in the tread.
• The wheel nuts are correctly torqued and ideally wheel nut indicators are in place to enable a quick visual check to take place.
• The wheel rim is in good condition with no cracks or broken welds. Pay particular attention to the nave of the rim around the fixing holes to make sure there are no cracks in this area.
• If using an “old lorry” type trailer with dual wheels check between the twins to make sure there are no stones/rocks trapped between the tyres.

If in doubt, TyreSafe advises those towing to seek professional assistance and advice from reputable tyre specialists for expert guidance on selecting appropriate tyres for agricultural trailers, taking into account load requirements and usage conditions.

TyreSafe chair Stuart Lovatt commented: “The safety of farmers and all road users is of paramount importance. Agricultural trailers are an integral part of farm operations, and it is crucial to prioritise tyre safety. By conducting regular checks and following recommended maintenance practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by tyre-related issues.”

The post Farmers issued tyre safety reminder as part of Farm Safety Week appeared first on Farmers Guide.

The campaign aims to initiate a positive change in attitude towards farm safety and protect those working in an agricultural setting by highlighting the difference a five-minute pause can make in avoiding a tragedy.

By thinking about the safety precautions before starting a job, farmers may remember to put on their seatbelt and engage the Safe Stop principle when using a vehicle, wear a helmet when riding an ATV or stay vigilant when working at height or with livestock, all actions that can potentially save lives.

NFU Vice President David Exwood said: “People are our most valuable assets, and we should all be thinking about our safety on farm 365 days a year.

“But Yellow Wellies’ Farm Safety Week is an excellent way for us to come together, raise awareness and share practical advice about how to look after ourselves and each other out in the field. We all have to talk more about safety.

“Our new campaign, ‘Take 5 to Stay Alive’, gets to the core of this year’s theme of ‘Farm Safety Starts with Me’. We all know the main causes of on-farm accidents. By taking a few seconds to think before we start a job, it gives us chance to put in place those small, cost effective, life-saving actions which can stop tragic incidents from happening.

“Five minutes or even five seconds could save a life or stop a life-changing accident. By making this small behavioural change, we are protecting the most important part of our businesses – ourselves.”

Yellow Wellies’ Farm Safety week runs from 17-21 July 2023.

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According to the latest figures released by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), 42 people lost their lives in farming incidents in the UK and Ireland over the past year, giving agriculture the poorest safety record compared to other sectors where mortality rates have generally decreased.

It has also been revealed that 27 lives were lost on farms in Great Britain compared to 30 last year, with 33% of people killed aged 65 and over. Moreover, 21 of the victims were farm workers while 6 were members of the public, including a child.

The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), the charity behind the annual Farm Safety Week campaign believes that, despite the improvements in attitudes and behaviours in the industry, many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented.

“The release of this year’s HSE figures serves as a sombre reminder of why Farm Safety Week matters and why we must all do more to address the poor safety record in the industry and make our farms safer places to work and to live,” said Farm Safety Foundation manager Stephanie Berkeley.

She pointed out that although agriculture employs just 1% of the working population in Great Britain, the fatality rate in the sector accounts for 18% of all deaths in the workplace, with an additional 23,000 farm workers suffering long-term damage to their health in the industry each year.

The picture remains similar in Northern Ireland, where farming accounted for 3 of the 8 (38%) reported workplace fatalities in 2022/2023 (HSENI). In the Republic of Ireland, farming – which accounts for 8% of the workforce (according to CSO’s Labour Force Survey) has 40% of all workplace fatal incidents – 12 of the 20 reported in 2022/2023.

Ms Berkeley highlighted the key importance of Farm Safety Week – which is supported by hundreds of farming businesses and organisations across five partner countries – in spreading crucial safety messages and remembering those who have been affected by death and injuries.

“The fact is, every single one of us living and working in the industry needs to step up and take responsibility and challenge and change their attitudes so we can make our farms safer places to work and to live.”

Sue Thompson, head of agriculture at the Health & Safety Executive, commented: “Agriculture is a vital part of the UK economy and it is not acceptable that it continues to fall short when it comes to managing risk in the workplace.

“As an industry we must not tolerate this any longer. We need everyone to play their part to improve the culture and change the poor behaviours we see far too frequently.”

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