Hosted by G. H. Dean & Co just outside Sittingbourne, it featured interactive briefings on essential first aid, transport and vehicle legislation, working at height and keeping the public, including children, safe on farms.
G.H. Dean & Co CEO Tim Malpas said: “We’re developing a culture of health and safety here – it must be at the heart of everything we do.
“For me, the key is sharing experiences and learning from each other, so we can all get better at preventing accidents.
“Our team here is very happy to host this event, with the NFU, and hope it helps everyone to work more safely.”
Concerns over inspections ending
NFU Kent Chair Clive Baxter joined one of the groups that toured the various presentations.
He said: “It’s so encouraging to see so many people here today.
“I hope everyone will pick up some vital health and safety advice to take back with them to their farms.”
“We simply must prioritise the wellbeing of the nation’s farmers and growers.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
The farm safety event comes after concerns have been raised over a recent decision from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) to halt farm safety inspections.
Speaking for the first time as chair of the Farm Safety Partnership, NFU Deputy President David Exwood warned “we cannot afford to compromise on the safety of our farmers, farm workers, or those living on or visiting farms”.
“The decision to halt inspections is deeply troubling and we urge the government and HSE to reconsider and continue to work collaboratively with farmers to help ensure they are compliant.
“We simply must prioritise the wellbeing of the nation’s farmers and growers.
“The lack of public awareness surrounding this decision raises serious questions about their prioritisation of safety within the farming sector.
“While the HSE assures us that investigative inspections will continue in response to serious incidents, the lack of all regular inspections, training and events leaves a notable gap in proactive and preventative safety measures that could prevent accidents and save lives.”
Find an event near you
NFU farm safety events have recently been held in East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey.
Elsewhere, in the East region, the NFU has organised farm safety events in Suffolk on June 18, in Norfolk on June 21, in Essex on June 27, in Hertfordshire on June 28, in Cambridgeshire on July 3 and in Bedfordshire on July 12.
