Is Farming Really The UK's Most Dangerous Industry?

Posted: May 03, 2010 |Comments: 0 |
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Despite being one of the world's oldest careers, farming is still underestimated by many given it is such a dangerous and often deadline industry. Although farming machinery and technology has helped carve social and industrial revolution and continues to develop, there are many dangers associated with working the land, breeding animals and handling chemicals that are now commonplace in farming. Any rose-tinted perception of farming aside, what are the most dangerous aspects to this age-old profession?

Working and operating heavy machinery as part of everyday farm equipment is the most common cause of death and injury in the farming industry. Tractors and other vehicles can be susceptible to 'rolling' and can end up crushing both the driver and any passengers inside. Driving farm machinery on public roads is also hazardous as regular car drivers become impatient with slower moving, heavy vehicles which can quickly lead to traffic accidents. Furthermore, noisy machinery can cause irreversible damage to hearing if the correct ear protection is not worn.

With farmers employing a range of pesticides and fertilisers to protect their crops it's not uncommon for many farmers to suffer burns, long-lasting respiratory problems and even suffocation from toxic fumes and deadly liquids. Since pesticides and sprays must be applied manually to the crop, it's not uncommon for farmers to suffer at the hands of the weather as well. Spending large amounts of time outdoors leads to an increased risk of sun cancer, especially if little consideration is given to wearing sun screen.

Finally, the majority of farmers naturally come into contact with animals on a daily basis unless their business is purely crop farming. Farmyard animals such as cows, pigs and sheep can look harmless in children's storybooks and nursery rhymes but livestock farming boasts many a risk too. Transporting large groups of livestock from one location to the next can result in stampede or farm workers being crushed by aggressive or even unwitting animals.

Health and safety plays a big role onto today's farms when it comes to reducing risk and encouraging positive protocol. Given that many farmers continue working well into their 70s, there are also calls for farmers to acknowledge their own abilities and to recognise when they are undertaking work that would perhaps be better suited to a more able person. It just takes a moment to compare life cover being a farmer and an office worker to see the difference in price – farming really is one, if not the most dangerous, profession in the world.

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