AGCO PARTS BACKS CALL FOR FARMERS TO PUT THEMSELVES FIRST

15th July 2019

leavirnekas

AGCO Parts is supporting this year’s Farm Safety Week, which runs from 15-19 July. Organised by leading farming charity Farm Safety Foundation, the campaign encourages the farming community to use good safety practices while working on the farm.

Agriculture continues to have the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK. Add to this the issue of rural isolation and the unique stressors facing the industry and this can lead to mental ill health and depression in those living and working in the farming community. Thankfully, farmers’ physical and mental wellbeing has been receiving increased attention in recent years thanks to Farm Safety Week, Mind Your Head, Are Ewe Okay and Fit2Farm campaigns but so much more can, and must be done…

Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation said, “Many farmers are using technology, learning business skills and taking innovative steps to make their farm businesses safe, resilient and sustainable but it is equally important for them to realise that they are the farms greatest asset”.

Throughout Farm Safety Week, the Farm Safety Foundation, supported by the Farm Safety Partnerships, the Health & Safety Executive, Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the Health & Safety Authority, Ireland, will demonstrate how safety innovations and improved inspection and maintenance can build business resilience, highlighting organisations helping build personal resilience and introduce some incredible farmers that have been influenced by circumstances, stories or personal experiences to make a real change.

Gavin Doughty from AGCO said: “We are backing Farm Safety Week as, while it is important to raise awareness of the issue in the industry, what we really need now is action! UK farmers are renowned for the attention they give to their livestock, crops and machinery but what we need to remind them is that looking after their own physical and mental wellbeing should always be the priority.”

For more information on 'Farm Safety Week', please visit the Yellow Wellies website.