HC Deb 10 March 1986 vol 93 cc344-5W
Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Paymaster General how many serious or fatal accidents involving farm employees were reported in 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively.

Mr. Lang

The number of serious or fatal accidents involving agricultural employees in Great Britain reported to the Health and Safety Executive in each of the last three years is shown in the table below:

Fatal Serious
1983 28 183
1984 27 251
1985 *19

* Provisional.

† Not yet available.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Paymaster General which statutory bodies have a role in monitoring safety standards on farms and conditions of work for agricultural employees.

Mr. Lang

Employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of agricultural employees so far as is reasonably practicable. Work at agricultural premises is subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation. The Health and Safety Executive is the enforcing authority at these premises.

Mr. Ron Davies

asked the Paymaster General how many cases were brought against farmers, landowners or employers of agricultural labour for infringement of safety standards in 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively, by statutory bodies; and, in each year, what was the percentage of convictions.

Mr. Lang

The number of informations laid and convictions obtained against self-employed farmers and employers of agricultural labour for infringements of safety standards in each of the last three years is shown in the table:

Informations laid Convictions Percentage
1983 165 139 86.9
1984 211 182 86.3
1985 267 210 78.0

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