Farm death toll sparks campaign
07 July 1999
Farm death toll sparks campaign
A RAPIDLY rising death toll on Britains farms has sparked a fresh campaign by the Health and Safety Executive.
Statistics show that of the 56 people who died on farms last year, three were children under the age of 16.
The youngest was just four and died when she was crushed under the wheels of a tractor, according to figures released yesterday (Tuesday) at the Royal Show.
David Mattey, the Health & Safety Executives chief agricultural inspector, said farmers had to have a greater appreciation of risks on farms.
Among last years deaths, 14 were caused when people were trapped by something collapsing or overturning, from tractors to hay bales.
Ten deaths were caused by people falling from rooftops, trees or vehicles; six were killed by moving vehicles; six were electrocuted and six were killed by cattle.