The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2015 - Issue 41 | Page 6

Farm News Bryan brings home the bacon for charity! »»South Yorkshire He’s well-known for his butcher and farm shop owner, original and tasty meats, Bryan Mason, has always cheeses and delicious supported the Barnsley confectionery - and he even Hospice charity. Bryan, of does a special bacon which is Parkside Farm Shop in Hoyland cured and smoked in damson Common, really brought chippings. home the bacon again this Zoe Mitchell from Barnsley year by donating the bacon Hospice, said the theme of this for Barnsley Hospice’s locally year’s walk was ‘pop icons’. famous fundraising moonlight Those taking part came dressed walk which took place on as their favourite stars such 27 June. It’s traditional for as Madonna or Lady Gaga. walkers to have bacon butties Zoe said: “There were lots of for breakfast after their efforts amazing wigs and of course, - and this is where Bryan, lots of sparkle and - thanks whose store attracts customers to Bryan - reat bacon butties, from a wide-ranging area, which always goes down really steps in. well!” Zoe Mitchell, Bryan Mason and volunteer Helen Wells get ready for the moonlight walk. (Picture, Wes Hobson, courtesy of the Barnsley Chronicle). 6 Aug/Sep 2015 www.farmers-mart.co.uk Transport and animals are biggest killers in agriculture »»Moving vehicles and cattle are the biggest causes of death on Britain’s farms, according to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) latest fatality statistics which show that farming remains the most dangerous industry in the UK with the highest rate of fatal injuries. Four members of the public and 33 workers were killed on Britain’s farms during 2014/15* with around half (16) being struck or run over by farm equipment, or crushed or trampled by cattle. Transport and livestock were two of the five themes of ‘Farm Safety Week’ in July, an initiative led by the Farm Safety Foundation. During five days of practical advice and guidance, industry groups focussed on issues surrounding the use of machinery and falls from height which accounted for seven deaths during 2014/15. Falling or moving objects accounted for six people losing their lives and drowning or asphyxiation involving grain silos and slurry tanks resulted in six fatalities. Although there were no child deaths on farms during 2014/15, in a typical year one to two children lose their lives on Britain’s farms and child safety continues to be a concern for the industry. For this reason it was the fifth theme of Farm Safety Week UK & Ireland, which took place in July at the NEC, coinciding with the Livestock Event. HSE’s Head of Agriculture, Rick Brunt, said: “Deaths in farming have remained stubbornly high over the past few years and agriculture continues to have the poorest record of managing risk of any industry in Britain. “The death rate on Britain’s farms is over five times that of the construction industry, and 20 times higher than the all industries average. The industry should recognise that these deaths are avoidable, and should not accept them as an inevitable consequence of farming. “HSE applauds the industry for taking the initiative to tackle the causes of fatal and serious injuries. We will continue to work closely with the Farm Safety Foundation, the Farm Safety Partnerships, and the NI and Ireland regulators to tackle this poor record.” * The figures for 2014/15 are provisional www.hse.gov.uk