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.”

Nottinghamshire County Council has formally submitted a £40m bid to Government for the financing of the planned Toton Link Road. The council wants the multi-million-pound sum needed to build the road from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, following councillors approving plans for its construction last year. The new link road would consist of a new one-mile single-carriageway track between the A52 east of Bardills Island and Stapleford Lane, taking the form of a high-quality landscaped boulevard with significant tree planting and walking and cycling routes. In its funding application to government, the council outlined how the link road has the potential to deliver more than 400 jobs and 2,700 new homes. A decision on the bid for the road which would enable high-quality development of homes, community facilities and commercial space is expected in the autumn. Works would then start in 2024, with scheduled completion by 2026. Councillor Keith Girling, cabinet member for economic development, Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Nottinghamshire County Council’s bid for the Toton Link Road presents an opportunity get spades in the ground and kick-start major, long-term economic development that is going to bring greater prosperity to Nottinghamshire and the wider region. “The Government’s Integrated Rail Plan not only confirmed that high-speed rail would be coming to Nottinghamshire, it also gave us the chance to push ahead with plans for a Network Rail Station at Toton. “The Link Road will be the first stage in that process of unlocking development at Toton, helping us to enable economic growth, and to build a powerful case for the better transport connectivity that a rail station would be part of. “We’re showing Government that we’ve got oven-ready investment opportunities here, that we want to get on and deliver growth to communities across the region, and that we’re putting the structures in place to make it happen.” The funding bid by the council has the support of Broxtowe MP, Darren Henry, who says that it promises to be the start of something big. “I am incredibly ambitious for Broxtowe, and our £40 million bid to the Levelling Up Fund for the Toton Link Road promises to be the start of something big. This is the message I am taking directly to Government. “We are turning this area into a hotspot for investment. Government has already committed tens of millions to Towns Funds in places like Stapleford, it has committed billions to an HS2 station nearby, and also opened the door to a Network Rail station right here at Toton,” he said. Mr Henry also highlighted the wider benefits of the link road, including transport links. The new road would be linked to the A52, the NET tram network, alongside a proposed Network Rail Station and close to the M1 motorway. There will also be an opportunity to add new bus routes. Mr Henry added: “Our role now is to make the most of major investment in the East Midlands so that we can deliver new homes, new transport links and new job opportunities for our people into the future. “We are making sure that we are match-fit to manage that investment by setting up a development corporation which will plan and promote these big sites, and by pushing ahead with a devolution deal which will enable us to access more funding and have a greater say in how it is invested.” As part of its bid for the £40m, the council has highlighted how the Toton Link Road will enable wider plans for growth that are being worked up by the East Midlands Development Company (DevCo), including the transition of the Chetwynd Barracks, which is scheduled for closure, from a MoD site to residential use. The DevCo was created by five local authorities to coordinate development around the Toton-Chetwynd corridor, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station area and the East Midlands Airport area. Richard Carr, Managing Director, EM DevCo, said: “Alongside Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station area and the East Midlands Airport area, Toton is one of three large-scale sites in the East Midlands that have been identified as having the potential to enable tens of thousands of new jobs and add billions to the value of the regional economy in the years to come. “It’s vital that we join the dots between our investment opportunities so that we maximise their potential, and that we push for high-quality development. At Toton, the Link Road is the start of that process, opening up the potential for innovative new development and better transport connectivity. “As a body supported by local authorities, government, business and universities, EM DevCo is itself evidence of how well the region is coming together to grasp these opportunities and to ensure they translate into developments which work for communities and the economy as we head into a net zero future.” It is hoped that the DevCo will soon gain statutory powers, after the government flagged the East Midlands’ case for a new type of development corporation in its Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill as an ‘expedient’ mechanism for council areas to join forces and deliver growth.

While nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 are assessed, book your tickets for the highly anticipated event taking place on Thursday 15 September. Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – the event showcases the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months. The awards also present a perfect networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance. The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.

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. Thanks to our sponsors:                                      

To be held at: