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Urgent need for safety checks after rise in East Midlands farming fatalities
A risk management expert is urging the region’s farmers to improve their health and safety standards after official figures revealed the East Midlands is one of only two areas in Britain to see a rise in the number of fatalities in the agricultural industry.
Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that three people in the region’s agricultural sector were killed in 2021/22.
Across Britain, however, there were 25 fatalities – 16 fewer than last year.
Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services, said: “It is tragic that the number of deaths in the region has increased. And while the drop in fatalities across Britain is to be welcomed, I would urge those who work in the industry not to become complacent.”
Fatal injuries were most commonly caused by people being struck by moving vehicles. This was followed by being struck by an object, contact with machinery, falls from height and animal-inflicted deaths.
The latest figures suggest considerable progress in agricultural risk management since the early 1980s, when there were around double the number of fatal injuries. This year’s total number of fatalities, which includes three members of the public, is the second lowest number of deaths recorded in the last five years.
Agriculture, however, remains the riskiest industry to work in, with fatal injuries around 18 times higher than the ‘all industry rate’.
A 38-year-old self-employed farmer in the East Midlands was killed by slurry gas when he entered a slurry tank.
In another incident, a 19-year-old worker was killed when he was struck by an HGV.
The third fatality saw a 58-year-old self-employed farmer getting crushed by a falling bale.
Cormack added: “Figures for the last five years reveal that more self-employed workers are killed than employed workers, suggesting that while employers may be taking care to implement health and safety measures, and educate and train their staff, they are not giving their own personal safety enough attention.
“Death and injury can have a devastating effect on families, as well as destroying businesses, yet risk-taking seems to be an underlying problem in the industry.
“Some fatalities can be attributed to freak accidents, but others could be avoided by adopting a more rigorous approach to safety. Risk assessments should be thorough, all appropriate training should be undertaken, and safety policies should be implemented.”
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Connect with property and construction professionals at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Tickets can be booked here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for networking and celebrating. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.









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New president of auctioneering & valuing association elected
After a 12-month term as vice president, Trevor Palethorpe, joint head of John Pye Business & Property, has been elected as president by NAVA, a division of Propertymark.
Taking up the role last month Trevor aims to guide the organisation in re-engaging with its members and hopes to encourage the next generation of auctioneers.
Currently, Trevor jointly heads up the Business Assets and Property divisions of John Pye and has been in the auctions industry since his teens. Originally aspiring to be a history teacher when leaving school, a chance meeting with Adam Pye saw Trevor starting work in the salesrooms at Nottingham’s Cattle Market on Friday nights and it changed the course of his career.
Speaking of his appointment, Trevor says: “I genuinely love the profession which I’ve been part of now for over 25 years, so to be elected president of NAVA Propertymark is really a great honour. I grew up in auctions and have amassed experience that spans business assets through to property and fine art, plus everything in between. I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge and experience with other colleagues and industry professionals.”
NAVA was established in the 1980s to provide accreditation and best practice sharing within the industry. In 2000, operations were taken over by Propertymark who set the benchmark for property professionals. Its members are expected to adhere to strict best practices and code of conduct, so both public and businesses can be assured they are dealing with a suitably qualified professional.
John Pye as a business have been active members ever since inception, with both John and Adam Pye previously serving as chair, the precursor to the role which Trevor is taking on now. The firm also actively encourages and supports its staff who wish to develop their careers within auctioneering and valuations to take Propertymark qualifications.
Talking about what he hopes to achieve during his term as president, Trevor adds: “I want to help raise the profile of our profession and be part of the wider Propertymark team to ensure the continuance of high standards to protect the integrity of the auctioneering and valuing professions.
“I’m also keen to inspire other colleagues within the profession and anyone thinking of an auctioneering career. It is not something that is often considered for school leavers. I’d encourage people to consider it as a rewarding career and take advantage of the variety of benefits that NAVA Propertymark members can access. This includes perks and industry benefits including legal advice, professional support and professional development courses, for absolute beginners to experienced auctioneers.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, says: “All of the Propertymark Board, alongside the staff at Propertymark HQ are really looking forward to working with Trevor in order to drive Propertymark further forward and deliver more to our members. We congratulate Trevor on his appointment within the team.”