A farm worker sustained multiple injuries after being hit by a potato harvester. The incident was followed by the Health and Safety Executive Prosecutor’s Office and the farmer was fined.
Folkestone Magistrates Court heard that on August 21, 2020, a worker was involved in the lifting of the ban on the potato crop on the Kent farm when he moved to reels. The worker put his foot in the car first and then got on his knees.
This resulted in leg burns, a prominent bone, a torn calf, a fractured nerve, and a hairline fracture in the knee and ankle area. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the farmer was unable to implement a “safe shutdown procedure” to isolate electricity and prevent the reels from moving until the worker investigated.
Alan Down of Main Road, Seeling, Ashford, Kent pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1)(b) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Rules 1998. He was fined 92 4992 and 80 5805.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Sam Brown said: “It is very common to encounter similar incidents when performing maintenance work on moving vehicles and disregarding the principles of ‘Safe Stop’ and Safe Assist.
The agricultural industry accounts for about one per cent of the UK workforce but is responsible for 20 per cent of worker deaths. Many of these deaths are caused by improper work practices while performing technical maintenance work.
“In addition, every year more and more workers are seriously injured due to hazardous work practices while working on equipment. Those who repair agricultural machinery must adhere to ‘safe stop’ principles to avoid the risk of injury.”
Source: Belfastlive
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
