Accident Claims In Agriculture On The Rise
A 57 year old worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, was clearing the gutters of a farm building on 14th May 2008, when an accident occurred involving a telehandler machine. R J Baker & Co Limited of Bainton Heights Farm have been fined 3,000 and ordered to pay the same amount in legal costs by Bridlington Magistrates’ Court after the incident.
The workers colleague, who was left in charge to operate the telehandler machine, moved it over to where the 57 year old had been using a normal ladder to access guttering on the roof of the farmhouse. The operator accidently slanted the bucket of the telehandler downwards once the worker had climbed in, causing him to fall to the ground.
With extensive leg injuries, due to the fall of several metres, that included a partially fractured heel, fractured shin as well as a broken and dislocated right ankle, the worker spent more than a month in hospital. He also required specialist treatment thereafter.
Although accidents do occur from time to time in circumstances that are not always avoidable, the present case serves no such example. In such circumstances it would be a good idea to contact a number of injury lawyers.
In June this year, the Health and Safety Executive requested that all farms follow stricter safety guidelines involving the operation of telehandler machines, but it would seem not all of them paid attention. Accident claims have risen over the past few years which involving the use telehandlers, leading for the Health and Safety Executive to advise companies involved with agriculture and other dangerous industries accordingly.
Accident claims in agriculture are becoming more common in the UK and, following statistics recently published by the Health and Safety Executive, agriculture itself has become Britain’s most dangerous industry in terms of deaths and serious injuries.
As confirmed by the seriousness of this case, telehandlers remain a significant health and safety issue for many British farms. Appearing in court, R J Baker & Co Limited pleaded guilty to infringing the Work at Height Regulations 2005 – Regulation 6(3).
Carol Downes, Health and Safety Executive inspector, speaking after the case said: “This farm worker suffered horrific injuries following his fall at Bainton Heights Farm. He was extremely lucky to survive the fall and if he had landed head-first he could easily have been killed… This prosecution must serve as a strong reminder that farm machinery should only be used for its intended purpose”.
Looking to find the best deal on injury at work compensation, then visit Nathan Payne’s site.
Tags: accidents, law, lawyers, Legal, Personal Injury, solicitors

