Three free farm safety events are being held in a bid to decrease the number of accidental deaths within the south west farming community.

Taking place in venues in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, the free events are part of Cornish Mutual’s ongoing campaign to highlight the importance of health and safety on farms. By offering free advice from a range of leading experts, the insurance company aims to cut the number of deaths and serious injuries in agriculture across the region.

The first is an expert advice evening at Griggs Country Store, St Austell at 6pm on Friday 10th November. Over a pasty supper, attendees will gain insights from eight experts from organisations including Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The evening will feature sessions on issues ranging from rural crime to environmental risks, succession planning and Cornwall’s new Business Regulatory Support Service.

A daytime health and safety event will take place at Hannah's at Seale-Hayne, near Newton Abbot, from 9.30am on Friday 17th November. This event will focus on some of the key health and safety issues facing farmers, including public right of way, first aid and occupier’s liability.

Run in partnership with Somerset Young Farmers at Parris Tractors, near Taunton, the health and safety event on Tuesday 21st November will cover a number of practical topics, from tractor and trailer safety to quad bikes and animal handling. With experts from Shepton Vets, Hush Farms and Avon and Somerset Police among others, this evening event will also include a pasty supper.

Arthur Denton, member services adviser for Cornish Mutual, said: “At Cornish Mutual we are passionate about improving farm safety. Our events aim to give farmers the latest advice and information to help them keep themselves, their staff and the public safe.

“We are delighted to have a number of leading experts from across the region taking part in these events. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask them questions and take part in some hands-on activities. We have looked at feedback from previous events to ensure we are choosing topics that farmers really want to focus on. I would encourage people interested in attending to sign up early as these events get booked up quickly.”

Based on the popularity of previous events, Cornish Mutual is encouraging anyone interested to book ahead. Contact Cornish Mutual on 01872 246474 or email engagementandpr@cornishmutual.co.uk to book a free place on any of these events.