Farm accidents kill 44 in England
4 July 2000
Farm accidents kill 44 in England
By FWi staff
FORTY-FOUR people were killed in farm-related accidents in England during the past year, according to the Health and Safety Executive.
The figure is second lowest since records began. But there is no room for complacency, said David Mattey, the executives chief inspector of agriculture.
“While 44 deaths is a welcome reduction from last years figure of 57, that is little consolation for the victims and their families.
“Forty-four tragedies can never be dismissed as good news. Much remains to be done. The industry can reduce this figure even further”
Four children were killed by agricultural work activities, including a four-year-old girl who was killed after being run over by a fore-end loader.
Mr Mattey called for a special effort to reduce what he described as the annual toll of tragic child deaths and injuries on farms.
TV presenter John Craven officially opened the Health and Safety Executives child safety exhibition at the Royal Show on Monday (4 July).
He said: “The goal must be to bring the numbers of deaths and serious injuries down to zero.”
Fourteen of last years fatalities involved transport. Eight of these were either run over or struck by a moving vehicle. The other six were vehicles overturning.
Animal-related deaths continue to rise, accounting for eight deaths last year. Of these, seven fatalities involved cattle.
Falls accounted for seven fatalities. Eight people were killed after being struck by a moving object, including falling bales and two gunshot wounds.
For the first time, there were no deaths caused by contact with machinery.
Statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive last month revealed that eight people died on farms last year in Scotland.
Figures for Wales will be released at the Royal Welsh Show later this month.