Comment – Change the Record

I took part in the excellent  IOSH Growing Safely Conference in Warwick on Thursday. This was organised by the Rural Industries Community of IOSH. The purpose being to raise awareness and enhance safety culture in agriculture and the rural industries. The organisers are to be congratulated on such a well organised and relevant event.

The day started with a  focus on mental health. The standout idea for me, was the idea of ‘accidental counsellors’. If you don’t know (and I didn’t) it’s that often the only people who speak to farmers on a daily basis are the vets, feed reps, and in our case the dealer technicians and sales teams. So whilst not being trained as counsellors, these folk are often the only people checking in on isolated and potentially struggling individuals. 

What struck me, was that it’s one thing recognising that you might be the only person on farm with the farmer struggling with their mental health, it’s quite another knowing what to do.  Have a look at https://www.matesinmind.org as training and resources are available to help. 

On the same subject, this week sadly marks the 23rd fatality in farming since 1st April, and a child at that. Something has to change, rather than just mutely accepting that ‘accidents happen’ they shouldn’t. Have a look at your own risk assessments and working practices, plus check in on others (and yourself).

I’m sorry to be so cheerful, but this is too important to leave alone, its not normal for any industry to have an accident record where 26 members of the public have been killed in the last 5 years, or which 9 are children.

Have a safe week, and look out for those around you.

Andy