New agriculture safety course helps rural businesses build safer workplaces

The IOSH-approved Managing safely in agriculture and rural industries course gives managers and supervisors the practical tools to identify hazards, assess risks, fulfil their legal responsibilities and strengthen safety performance. To support its launch, NFU Mutual is offering 26 agricultural workers the opportunity to complete the course free of charge.

Commitment to safety standards

The initiative forms part of NFU Mutual's commitment to improving safety standards across the agricultural. Developed specifically for the agriculture and rural industries sector, the course provides practical guidance on managing workplace risks and creating safer working environments. Participants will develop the skills and confidence to:

• identify workplace hazards and assess risks
• implement practical control measures
• understand legal health and safety responsibilities
• investigate incidents effectively
• monitor and measure safety performance.

The course is aimed at individuals with managerial or supervisory responsibilities, from those overseeing large farming operations to managers in small and medium-sized agricultural businesses.

The announcement comes as the Farm Safety Foundation's annual Farm Safety Week (20-24 July) shines a spotlight on the industry's safety record and the importance of preventing life-changing injuries and fatalities on farms.

Tools needed by farmers

Richard Bate, IOSH President, said: “Farmers don’t need to be told that agriculture is a high-risk industry. They live those risks every day. What they need are practical tools and solutions that make a real difference on the ground.

“IOSH-approved Managing safely in agriculture and rural industries delivers exactly that, helping move the conversation beyond statistics and towards meaningful action that keeps people safe and healthy at work."

Helena Phillips, RMS Technical Consultant at NFU Mutual, said: “Farming is a demanding and often high-risk industry, and it continues to have a poor safety record. Good health and safety management plays a vital role in protecting people, businesses and rural communities. By offering free places on the IOSH course, we hope to equip agricultural workers with practical knowledge and confidence they can take back to their businesses.”

Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, said: “There is no shortage of noise when it comes to farm safety, and yet, despite the awareness, the reality remains the same. Farming continues to have the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK.

“At the Farm Safety Foundation, we see this differently. Awareness matters, but awareness alone does not change behaviour. We are not here simply to add to the noise; we are here to drive action.

“We are proud to support the action being taken by IOSH and NFU Mutual’s Risk Management Service. Four days to learn how to manage safety in agriculture is a worthwhile investment for your farm business, your people and the future of the industry.”

Enter the competition

The courses will take place from 24 to 27 November 2026 and 19 to 22 January 2027.

Those interested in securing one of the funded places can enter the draw.