Farmers Face Unlimited Fines & Prison For Health & Safety Breaches

Farmers around the UK would do well to familiarise themselves with their industry’s health and safety guidelines, as tough new penalties are due to be introduced for various offences.

Employees, officers or company directors who are prosecuted as individuals could be jailed for a maximum of two years, while businesses with turnovers of up to £2 million could face fines reaching £450,000 – although the amount will be dependent on the company’s turnover.

Previously, lower courts were loath to impose custodial sentences and were only able to fine individuals a maximum of £20,000. From February 1st next year, however, those found guilty could find they are either imprisoned or hit with an unlimited fine.

Patrick Quigley and Gemma Rawlinson from H&H Insurance brokers said: “It’s particularly important that farmers and businesses operating in the rural community are aware of these changes and the steps they can take to protect themselves. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over the last decade, one person a week has been killed in the agricultural sector.”

A large part of complying with health and safety regulations is ensuring that your workers wear the appropriate high visibility trousers and other such clothing so they can be seen no matter what they’re doing and no matter the weather conditions or time of day.

If you’re unsure what your responsibilities are when it comes to health and safety in agriculture, forestry and fishing, make sure you spend as much time as you can on the Health and Safety Executive website, which is an amazing resource with all the relevant information contained therein.