Hidden dangers of working in an Agricultural Environment

The family of a man who died in a slurry pit accident near Ongar are seeking to raise awareness of the dangers of working in the agricultural sector.

Craig Whipps, 27, died in July following an incident at Albyns Farm, in Stapleford Tawney.

The accident occurred when Mr Whipps, from Denton in south Norfolk, was trying to dilute thick slurry from the cattle shed with more liquid slurry stored in a bulk tank.

A large volume of liquid slurry escaped under pressure, releasing toxic gases as it did so.

It is believed that Mr Whipps, who was living in Stapleford Abbotts at the time, drowned in the pit after being overcome by the fumes, although a coroner is yet to rule on the exact cause of death.

His colleague Paul Gray, 48, from Stapleford Tawney, also died while trying to help rescue Mr Whipps.

They want to try to raise awareness of some of the hidden dangers of working in an agricultural environment in the hope that the same thing will not happen to anyone else.

Statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive for the 12-month period to the end of March 2011 reveal that there were 42 fatalities in the agricultural sector in the UK.

This is well ahead of the 29 recorded in manufacturing and not far behind the 52 in construction.

The Health and Safety Executive has investigated and is making recommendations. However, it is clear that the potential dangers of slurry are underestimated in the agricultural community, in spite of the Health and Safety Executive's efforts to raise awareness.

If you or a member of your family has been injured in this accident or in similar circumstances in the past three years, call our specialist personal injury solicitors on 0800 0384 384 or click here to book a free no obligation meeting