INJURY VICTIM lawyers are calling for the agricultural industry to improve safety standards in the workplace, following a rise in fatalities in the agricultural, forestry and fishing sectors.

Statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive earlier this month revealed a 70% rise in workplace fatalities in Scotland in 2018/19, compared to 2017/18, with a significant part of the increase due to fatalities in the agricultural, forestry and fishing sectors.

Coinciding with Farm Safety Week, managing director of Watermans Solicitors, Scott Whyte, has highlighted his firm’s first-hand experience of supporting those affected by poor safety standards in some parts of the agricultural industry and is calling for everyone involved in the sector to commit to improving the situation.

“Every workplace fatality, wherever and however it occurs, is one too many and represents a tragedy for its victim and their family. There is legislation and safety protections in place to protect people in every industry but too often we see at first-hand the consequences of it not being properly followed or enforced in the agricultural sector.

“Farm Safety Week is an important part of the work that many organisations are doing to improve safety. I hope we see a renewed commitment from all involved in the sector to improve safety for everyone who works in it and achieve a situation where no-one goes to work and doesn’t come home again,” he said.