A leading agricultural expert has warned farmers they could face costly claims, fines and prosecutions if temporary workers employed during the busy harvesting season are inadequately trained and insured.
Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, explained that North-East farmers need to be mindful of the risks associated with hiring temporary workers.
Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations with 27 deaths, including a three-year-old child, reported last year as a result of farming and agriculture-related activities according to the Health and Safety Executive.
Compared to other industries, agriculture, forestry and fishing has the worst rate of worker fatalities – 21 times higher than the all-industry average over the last five years. In the last ten years, almost one person a week has been killed as a result of agricultural work and many more have been seriously injured.
