Local workshops are being offered by the Wales Farm Safety Partnership (WFSP) to help farmers engage with health and safety in the workplace in order to reduce the high number of workplace fatalities.
The programme will consist of short practical demonstrations on a range of topics, including the safe handling of livestock, working safely at heights, operation of all-terrain vehicles and farm machinery, and the handling of dangerous chemicals.
According to WFSP chairman Brian Rees these are the areas of work with particularly high incident rates. Statistics suggest that farmers are now six times more likely to be killed working on a farm than workers on a building site, meaning that it is important that the industry is fully up to date on all aspects of farm safety.
Mr Rees said: "If more farmers are taught to recognise the risks by attending one of our workshops, and then take the necessary steps to reduce them, we will be making a very positive start on tackling the problem. I would urge farmers of all ages to take an afternoon off to attend one of these events, including students and young farmers just starting out in the industry."
He added that it may prove to be a "life-saver", as the events will demonstrate many ways to reduce the risks of accidents to farmers, as well as to their families, employees, and individuals visiting the farm.
The first two events, delivered by Farming Connect, will be held 1-4pm on May 17 at Coleg Glynllifon in Llandwrog LL54 5DU, and on May 18 at Gelli Aur, Coleg Sir Gar SA32 8NJ.
