The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) is launching a new safety campaign in collaboration with Nestlé and the Farm Safety Partnership. The agriculture safety campaign ‘Have a Break – Tiredness Kills’ is designed to raise awareness of tiredness and the dangers it represents to the agricultural industry. We are excited about the prospect of something different and novel to grab the attention of contractors and farmers – to encourage them to HAVE A BREAK. The campaign will be launched on social media on Monday 15th July 2024.
The Agriculture Sector has retained the worst safety record in any industry with the most deaths per 100,000, with the annual average injury rate over the last five years around 21 times as high as the all-industry rate. It has been almost impossible to change these statistics in recent years, despite numerous industry and HSE campaigns. Statistics appear to show a trend that after very busy periods, such as harvest, fatalities spike. This makes sense as research shows that driver fatigue may be a contributory factor in up to 20% of road accidents, and up to one-quarter of fatal and serious accidents. Fatigue results in slower reactions, reduced ability to process information, memory lapses, absent-mindedness, decreased awareness, lack of attention, underestimation of risk, reduced coordination etc. Fatigue can lead to errors and accidents, ill health and injury, and reduced productivity.
Working extended hours is almost a badge of honour in farming and contracting. However, the industry is under regular pressure, by the UK weather and a declining workforce, to work long hours to keep the nation fed. Livestock and crops need constant care and it can be difficult for operators to see an opportunity to HAVE A BREAK.
The NAAC wants to use this campaign to draw attention to the issues of tiredness, create a movement, raise awareness and make 2024 a safer year for agriculture, by encouraging workers to take a well-earned break when needed.
On Monday 15th July 2024, the campaign partners, in collaboration with Nestlé, will launch ‘Have a Break, Tiredness Kills’ to remind farmers and contractors of the risks associated with working when tired. The campaign will include a significant burst of communications across Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Linked In, and TikTok to encourage everyone in the industry to share content across all media channels to reach farmers and contractors of all ages. Please play your part in helping to make a difference and SAVE LIVES by sharing campaign posts and tagging your colleagues and your friends.
