Tim Papworth - Leading from the front on farm safety

It started with a simple request from an employee, who said: "Tim, this is dangerous. We can't see what we're doing in the potato store." As an employer, those words immediately set off alarm bells. I knew I had to investigate and resolve the issue promptly. 

Accidents add to strain on the rest of the family

Without giving it much thought, I grabbed a ladder to change a light bulb. It was a task I'd done countless times before. But this time, I fell 14 feet, landing head-first on the concrete floor. The impact left me in a coma for five weeks and changed my life forever. 

The accident's repercussions were far-reaching. It happened during our busiest time - potato harvest and autumn drilling. My absence put immense pressure on my family and our farming business. I lost my HGV license, my firearms certificate and, temporarily, my independence. 

But the most profound impact was on my family. While I could focus solely on recovery, they had to worry about everything else - my health, the farm's future and how our lives would change. It's a perspective I hadn't considered before and it's made me acutely aware of how a farm accident affects not just the individual, but the entire family and business. 

Recovery was a long journey. I'm now deaf in my left ear due to brain damage, a constant reminder of that fateful day. But it's also a reminder of how fortunate I am to be here, thanks to the swift response of the air ambulance that got me to the hospital within the crucial ‘golden hour’. 

This experience has transformed how I approach farm safety. Here are some key lessons I've learned: 

• Always have a second person present when working at height 
• Consider alternatives to ladders, such as personnel cages or lifting machines 
• Implement clear communication systems. We now use WhatsApp groups to keep everyone informed about field locations and operations 
• Hold daily safety briefings. We discuss the day's plan and potential hazards every morning 
• Adapt to new safety regulations promptly, even if they seem time-consuming 

Training is crucial to maintaining a safe farm

Regular training is not just a box to tick - it's a vital part of farm safety. Training helps keep workers up to date with the latest safety protocols, reinforces safe work practices and encourages a proactive approach to safety. Here are some ways we've integrated training into our daily operations: 

• Morning meetings: Every morning, we discuss the day's tasks and how to perform them safely. This routine helps everyone start the day with safety in mind 
• Toolbox Talks: These short, focused discussions on specific safety topics are a great way to keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind 
• Continuous learning: Safety training should be an ongoing process. We regularly update our training programs to reflect new safety standards and practices 

Lead by setting the standard for safety on-farm

Creating a culture of safety means making safety a natural part of daily operations. It's about more than just annual training sessions - it's about embedding safety into everything we do.  

This is something I truly take to heart, and I build the following into my own approach to work: 

• Incorporating safety moments: As Norfolk's NFU chairman, I now advocate strongly for farm safety. We include a 'safety moment’ in every meeting, encouraging everyone to share ideas and experiences
• Encouraging reporting: We encourage everyone to report potential hazards and near-misses. This proactive approach helps us address issues before they become serious problems 
• Leading by example: As a leader, I make sure to follow all safety protocols and encourage my team to do the same 

The mental health aspect of recovery is just as important as the physical. After my accident, I experienced significant challenges, including depression and a loss of independence. Having mental health support was crucial for my recovery. It's important to recognise that farm safety isn't just about preventing physical injuries - it's also about supporting the mental wellbeing of everyone involved. 

Crucial to prioritise safety over speed

The most important lesson, however, is understanding the difference in perspective between employers and employees regarding safety. As an employer, the pressure to ensure everyone's safety can sometimes lead to hasty decisions - like my choice to quickly fix the light myself. It's crucial to step back and consider the safest approach, not just the quickest. 

This Farm Safety Week, I urge all farmers to prioritise safety in their daily farm life. Investing in regular training and embedding safety practices into daily operations, we can protect ourselves, our families and our employees; it's about creating a culture where safety is as natural as breathing. Remember, a safe farm is a successful farm, and the impact of your safety choices extends far beyond yourself. 

Our Farm Safety Week page can help you quickly access a host of online learning, useful Toolbox Talks and detailed information on how you can quickly improve practices on your farm. 

And you can also find out more about how to incorporate productive, focused discussions about safety in your farm team meetings using our Toolbox Talks.