Horticultural health and safety issues highlighted

A health and safety expert has warned people in the amenity horticulture industry not to underestimate the risks posed in their sector.

Addressing a seminar at the IoG Saltex show last week, HSE head of safety section for agriculture and food, Alan Plom, said the number of fatalities in amenity horticulture were proportionately comparable to the number in the construction industry.

Between 2001 and 2009, the industry – which includes arboriculture, forestry, landscaping and sports turf management – saw the deaths of 23 people while at work, in an industry that employs around 172,000 people in the UK.

Mr Plom explained: "On average, two to three people lose their lives each year working in the amenity/ground care/landscaping industry. In terms of overall injury rates, this sector is comparable with construction. These activities also contribute significantly to injuries to employees in local authorities."

The causes of the accidents were wide-spread, but many related to vehicles, hitting stationary objects and high falls. He added that many non-fatal accidents were not being reported, particularly among contractors and private companies.

During his seminar, Mr Plom revealed a new standard industry code (SICs) for the amenity horticulture sector – as it did not have one before – which he said he hoped would give a more accurate view of the extent of health and safety issues in the industry.