Farmers are being encouraged to make use of a free online service to help manage risk.

The NFU Mutual SafetyHub is designed to help small farms actively manage the risks in their businesses and comply with health and safety legislation.

NFU Mutual figures show that smaller farming businesses are still prone to significant Employers Liability claims resulting from injuries to workers, but are less likely to have health and safety documentation in place, putting them at risk of civil or criminal litigation. Free access to the rural insurer’s SafetyHub could help ease concerns when it comes to risk management for smaller farms.

Chris Roberts of NFU Mutual South West, said: “Safety is one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture. Small farms face some of the highest risks, with workers carrying out a wide range of tasks, often alone and working against the clock in poor weather conditions.

“That’s why we’re now offering free access to the NFU Mutual SafetyHub to all of our customers new and existing. The easy-to-use online service specifically for smaller farms – typically with a workforce of up to three people – provides peace of mind by helping farmers suitably assess the risks in their business and comply with regulation.”

Farmers signing–up to the service will have access to easy-to-complete modules which generate specific risk management plans for their farms that address all hazards to staff and the public.