Just before the House of Commons rose for summer recess, Richard attended a Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) event as part of this year’s Farm Safety Week.
The Foundation, established in 2014, plays a crucial role in addressing the ongoing risks to both mental and physical safety in our farming communities - particularly among young farmers. Farming represents 1% of the workforce but it accounts for a huge 16% of all workplace fatalities.
Richard Fuller MP said:
I heard some stark figures; in the past year alone, 23 farm workers and 4 members of the public lost their lives on farms in Great Britain. Long hours, isolation, and mental strain all contribute to unsafe working conditions. The link between mental wellbeing and physical safety is clear and must be taken seriously.
Representing a largely rural area like North Bedfordshire, I know how important these issues are to local farmers and their families. I fully support the Foundation’s efforts to equip the next generation of farmers with the tools, training, and mindset to work safely and sustainably. I was particularly interested in their two handbooks, The Little Book of Farm Safety and The Little Book of Minding Your Head, and in hearing about their work with Young Farmers Clubs and agricultural colleges across the UK.
This is important work, and I welcome their continued focus on improving safety and wellbeing in farming.
You can find out more at the Yellow Wellies website at https://www.yellowwellies.org/
