In this episode we rerun series 1 episode 3 to profile farm safety in the south west, reviewed by two members of the Cornish Mutual team - Paul Mahon, Head of Technical Development, and Nick Lay, a Chartered Legal Executive and Claims Technician. 

Devon based dairy farmer Fred Collins was also on this episode. In February 2022 Fred was changing a tractor tyre when the jack failed and his arm was trapped and crushed for a considerable amount of time. Surgery took 8 ½ hours to insert a metal plate and 32 screws to his arm. Severe nerve damage left him without any feeling in his hand. His story is certainly one of resilience, both personally and in terms of his business. 

The figures quoted in the episode are from 2023. Here are the updated figures:

• HSE 2024/25 RIDDOR report 23 (18.5%) of total (124) work related fatalities were from Agriculture, forestry and fishing.
• Regionally, the South West is the second highest region in England after the North West with 16 of total work-related injuries.
• Most common cause : Falls from a height, struck by moving object and trapped by something collapsing/overturning

For more info visit: Work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, 2025

Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming. 

For more information on Cornish Mutual visit cornishmutual.co.uk

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