NSA proud to promote farm safety in latest membership giveaway

Five safety conscious sheep farmers will now be better protected following a National Sheep Association (NSA) membership giveaway.

The Association recently gave members a chance to win a free helmet as part of its work to encourage improved safety when using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), often a vital piece of farm machinery for sheep farmers.

To win a chance to receive the prize NSA members were invited to explain what steps individuals can take to make sheep farming safer. Amongst the successful applicants was Joe Black from Whitchurch, Shropshire. Joe said: “Farmers need to move on from the ‘it'll be alright’ attitude and pay attention to fatality statistics. About 50% of the fatalities in this current year have been due to livestock, and although this probably relates to cattle and public access, we should all be learning lessons from these fatalities.

“Engaging with children at an early age is important, teaching them about the industry without putting them in danger and explaining to them why we do things the way we do so that we are safe. Also, when considering machinery purchases, we should all be considering safety features as a key factor as well as considering retro-fit safety features.”   

Joshua Bevan from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, another lucky winner, was keen to highlight the importance of wearing helmets. He said: “Individuals and the wider industry need to start taking extra precautions with wider use of helmets and other appropriate PPE.

“Communication also needs to be improved when working alone, ensuring someone knows where you are and use of apps that can help people find you if you need help etc are important.”
 

The past year has sadly seen several fatalities reported due to ATV accidents, tragedies that may have been preventable if protective helmets were worn. NSA hopes that through this giveaway, its own promotion and that of the Farm Safety Partnership and other industry organisations the wearing of helmets when operating an ATV will soon become normal practice.

This latest giveaway was a further benefit offered to NSA members this year. Membership of NSA supports the Association to continue important work in areas such as farm safety but also provides a voice for the UK sheep sector in all aspects of work that affects it.

When entering the competition several winners were also keen to explain their reasons for being a member of NSA. Gert Van Dyke from Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands said: “I value NSA membership as it helps me to stay up to date with changes and news from the industry.” Jayne Harkness-Bones from Crumlin, County Antrim added: “I feel part of a group of like minded folk through my NSA membership.”

NSA congratulates all of the lucky winners of the competition. For further information on NSA’s work with the Farm Safety Partnership visit www.nationalsheep.org.uk/nsa-and-the-farm-safety-partnership.

Further information on NSA membership can be found at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/membership.