Farming business fined for multiple health and safety risks

A farming business that refused an offer to take part in a course on farm safety has been fined following a subsequent site visit from Britain’s workplace regulator.

Seymour Stevens Limited operate a beef and arable farm in Faversham, Kent.

To help farmers understand what they need to do to comply with health and safety law, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) fund and run “Preparing for Inspection” courses which have been developed in partnership with industry.

In early 2022 Seymour Stevens Limited were offered a place on the course but did not take it up. A site visit was later carried out by the HSE in November of that year where multiple, serious, health and safety failings were identified.

The HSE investigation found one of the barns used as an employee through route was deemed unsafe to enter due to its poor structural state. Seymour Stevens Ltd were aware of this but had decided not to repair the shed due to costs. A number of electrical faults were also identified.

Another shed roof was insecurely fixed and was being weighed down with a hay bale in an attempt to prevent it from moving. Roof sheeting was also in poor condition and state of disrepair; in some cases, even falling from buildings.

Bull pens were broken and rusty and concerns were raised about the suitability of these to contain a bull. During the Christmas period in 2022, a bull had managed to escape the farm and was brought back to site by the Police.

HSE focused on the dangers of livestock as part of this year’s Your Farm, Your Future campaign. This has advice on working with livestock, and is hosted on its Your Farm Your Future campaign website, to assist farmers and workers and keep them safe.

At a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 24 April, Seymour Stevens Ltd, Faversham, Kent pleaded guilty to failing to discharge its general health safety and welfare duties to employees, contrary to Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £4,830 in costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Peter Bruce said: “While agriculture accounts for just one percent of the working population, it accounts for about 20 per cent of workplace fatalities.

“In the case at Seymour Stevens farm, there were failings to manage health and safety risks associated with animals and falling objects – two of the five most common causes of fatal injuries in the agriculture sector.

“Employees and members of the public were being put at risk, despite previous warnings having been given to the company by their staff.

“It is important that employers maintain their workplaces and equipment to suitable standards to ensure that employees, visitors and members of the public are not put at risk.”

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer, Jon Mack and supported by HSE paralegal officer, Lucy Gallagher.

Notes to editors:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across whole industry sectors through to targeted interventions on individual businesses. These activities are supported by globally recognised scientific expertise.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.