Following a fatality in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where a worker suffered a fall from height while reportedly being lifted in a telehandler bucket, we take this opportunity to signpost a number of resources to help prevent falls from height in the agriculture sector, and beyond.
Read the Health and Safety Executive’s latest guidance:
Work at height in agriculture > https://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/falls.htm
Working at height: A brief guide (INDG401) > https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg401.pdf
You can also get more general farm safety guidance from the NFU – https://www.nfuonline.com/hot-topics/farm-safety/
What you need to know (HSE guidance):
Falls are the second highest cause of death in agriculture – every year at least eight people die falling from a height. Those who survive suffer broken bones and worse. Falls often happen from roofs, lofts, ladders, vehicles, bale stacks, and unsuitable access equipment, such as buckets. These accidents and injuries cause you pain and cost your farm time and money. Most fall injuries can be avoided.
The law says you need to follow these rules in this order:
- avoid work at height where you can; and if not
- use work equipment or measures to prevent falls; and if not
- use work equipment that minimises the distance and consequences of a fall.