IT'S the most dangerous line of work in the UK with a death rate 18 times higher than average.
More than 14,000 non-fatal injuries happen in farming every year. Now it's hoped techniques from the aviation industry could make it safer for all thanks to one Scottish university.
In a scheme thought to be the only one of its kind, an Aberdeen University has worked with industry partner Kura Human Factors to develop a new course for farmers that champions "human factor" skills to bring danger levels down.
Common causes of death in farming include being struck by a moving vehicle, being injured by an animal and falling from height, a picture that's been consistent over the past five years. As many as 39 people were killed in UK farming in 2019.
Non-technical skills (NTS) could be the answer, as in aviation where the approach has become mandatory, Dr Amy Irwin says: "Non-technical skills fall into two categories — cognitive thinking skills such as decision-making and situation awareness, and social interaction skills such as teamwork and communication. Our research over the years has found that these skills, in conjunction with technical know-how, are key to ensuring safe and effective performance at work.
"Many industries emphasise the importance of NTS, and some, including aviation make it mandatory, however development of these skills has not been addressed in agriculture until now.
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"The current collaboration builds on our strong foundation of research and practical tools to produce an entirely original farmer training programme that mirrors the techniques used to train NTS in aviation and construction.
"We hope that by providing a new, novel, training course in these skills we can turn our research findings into improved safety for farmers."
Niven Phoenix of Kura, which already works with a large number of aviation firms, added: "An evidence-based non-technical skills course for agricultural workers is long overdue. The advent of technology in farming has been astounding with systems and hardware that has advanced out of sync with the training required to manage the increased risk presented.
"We have already seen parallels with our work in the construction industry. It is beset by similar problems that are now being addressed with effective understanding of human fallibility and how we can build systems, processes but more importantly behaviours that protect livelihood, life and limb.
"This is an excellent course that will produce safety dividends for farmers worldwide and it has been a privilege to work with the University combining their rigorous research with our practical aviation application of training.
"As someone who lost a father to an aviation accident I know that cultures and behaviours are intrinsic to safety. I feel we have ignited a spark that will continue to grow, acting as a catalyst for change and bringing those same aviation safety behaviours into our agriculture industry.
"One thing is for certain, we cannot continue in the same vein in agriculture with statistics that make it a safety lottery when people leave the security of their homes."
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