LANDOWNERS across the region have pledged to improve farm safety records.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has launched the Farm Safety Charter, which aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in agriculture in the UK.

William Worsley, CLA president and Yorkshire landowner, told industry leaders at the launch: “In 2010, agriculture became statistically the most dangerous industry in the country. Over the past ten years, 455 people have died on British farms and in other land-based enterprises.

“This equates to almost one death every week. In the same period, a further 1,700 people were seriously injured. These figures should be a wake-up call for everybody involved in farming.”

The charter was created following an industry summit held last year.

Mr Worsley, of Hovingham, said: “This charter is important because we now have a mandate to bring about a real change in the culture, attitude and behaviour towards farm safety.

“We are committed to raising awareness of the risks and dangers that affect people working in what are often difficult and unpredictable situations.

“We need to demonstrate that a good safety record is proof of a professional and modern industry, because behind these shocking statistics are the personal tragedies of hundreds of families who have suffered the needless loss of a father or son. .”