The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), the Farm Safety Partnership and Nestlé have joined forces for a new social media campaign this harvest season to encourage growers to ‘have a break’ and make 2024 a safer year for agriculture.
Farmers and contractors are under constant pressure from the UK weather and a declining workforce to work long hours to keep the nation fed.
Livestock and crops need constant care and it can be difficult for operators to see an opportunity to have a break.
Fatalities spike
However, alarmingly, after very busy periods in the farming calendar, such as lambing and harvest, statistics appear to indicate agricultural fatalities spike.
This makes sense, as research shows that driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to one-quarter of fatal and serious accidents.
Fatigue results in slower reactions, reduced ability to process information, memory lapses, absent-mindedness, decreased awareness, lack of attention, underestimation of risk and reduced coordination.
Fatigue can lead to errors and accidents, ill health and injury, and reduced productivity.
It is vital that regular breaks are taken to try to avoid fatigue-related accidents on farm.
The NAAC has partnered with Nestlé to spread the important message to ‘#HaveABreak’.