New safety campaign urges farmers to ‘Stay Safe’

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has launched a new campaign to promote safety in UK farming with the simple yet powerful message: “I am vital to UK agriculture – Stay Safe”.

The initiative encourages contractors and the wider farming community to display stickers in visible locations as a constant reminder to prioritise safety.

The aim is to foster a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.

See also: Poor mental health key factor in UK dairy farmer exodus

The campaign highlights the importance of routine safety measures, such as wearing helmets when riding quad bikes, ensuring pto guards are in place, and switching off machinery before clearing blockages.

These actions are key to preventing accidents that have devastating consequences.

© NAAC

According to research, farmers are 21% more likely to experience a workplace injury than those in other industries.

The Health and Safety Executive estimates that, on average, there are two farm fatalities a year related to ATV use, and more than 1,000 injuries annually due to ATV accidents.

These injuries can range from mild concussion to severe brain damage, often resulting in permanent disabilities.

Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the NAAC, emphasised the importance of the campaign.

“It is all too easy when under pressure to think that health and safety is all about paperwork and hassle,” she said.

“However, the number of fatal and serious incidents in farming continues to remain stubbornly high, and the NAAC wants to visually remind everyone to protect themselves and colleagues.”

The NAAC urges all agricultural contractors, farmers, and industry members to participate in the campaign.

The stickers will be distributed at the Cereals event on 11-12 June 2025 and are available by contacting admin@naac.co.uk.

A social media campaign will also help spread the message.