Farmers are being warned to pay closer attention to how they manage workplace risk – or face serious penalties.

A programme of inspections is being organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to review safety standards on farms across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

The aim is to ensure those responsible for protecting themselves and workers are doing the right things to comply with the law and prevent death, injury and ill-health.

And the HSE has warned it will not hesitate to use enforcement action to bring about improvements at any farm where standards are failing.

Inspectors will be checking risks are being controlled in specific areas such as machinery, livestock and falls from height.

Agriculture has the poorest record of any industry in Britain and latest figures show that 33 people were killed in agriculture across Britain in 2017/18 – around 18 times higher than the all industry fatal injury rate.

Rick Brunt, HSE’s head of agriculture, said: “We are seeing signs of a change in attitude across the farming industry and, while this is encouraging, these inspections act as a reminder to farmers of the importance of managing risks so that everyone can go home from their work healthy.

“Everyone involved in farming has a role to play. Those working in the industry need to understand the risks they face and the simple ways they can be managed. Those who work with the industry can be part of the change that is so badly needed.

“Farmers, managers and workers are reminded that death and injuries are not an inevitable part of farming.”

HSE has online guides available to help employers and employees improve health and safety on farms. For more information, visit www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/resources.