Herefordshire farmer killed in trailer accident
© Tim Scrivener A Herefordshire farmer has been killed after being crushed by a trailer tailgate.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said the farmer, who has not been named, died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the accident on 11 January.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called to reports of an industrial incident near to the B348 in Dewchurch, Hereford at 9.08am on Tuesday 11 January.
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“One ambulance, a paramedic officer and a Basics doctor attended the scene. On arrival, we discovered one male patient who was found to have suffered serious injuries in the incident.
“Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
The most common causes of serious and fatal injuries in agriculture involve moving and overturning vehicles, according to the HSE.
A spokesman said: “HSE is aware of this incident and is making enquiries.”
HSE safety advice for farm vehicles
The HSE has published the following guidance over the safe movement of farm vehicles in the workplace.
Transport movements in and around the workplace need to be controlled:
- Check that vehicles and pedestrians are separated where possible, for example, barriers and marked designated routes
- Minimise the need for vehicles to reverse
- Ensure mirrors are fitted, adjusted and clean
- Provide high visibility clothing to workers and other pedestrians
- Drivers must be trained
- Keep yards, transport routes and other working areas well lit
- All equipment, including trailers, must be maintained and in good working order.
- Take care when opening and closing tailgates. Keep people clear. Loads may have moved, or livestock may be anxious to get out. The tailgate may come down unexpectedly fast when retaining mechanisms are released.