Scottish accident claims and harvesting potatoes

The humble potato is the vegetable of choice in Scotland. It is however, little celebrated. But this has changed in 2008, with the United Nation's International Year of the Potato. While this is surely a great thing, it is also worth remembering that the potato is not only the source of delicious creamy mash, crispy jackets and wonderful deep-fried chips all over the country but also more than the odd Scottish accident claim.

This is because potato farming forms part of the agricultural sector in Scotland, without among the highest per worker Scottish accident claim industries in the UK. This is why the Health and Safety Executive believes it essential that farmers take caution when harvesting their potato crops.

Lawrence Murray, HSE inspector, comments, "Farming is a risky business. Within the agricultural industry the level of death and injury to farmers, workers, and members of the public is unacceptable.

"In 2006/07, 31 workers in Scotland lost their life at work and 2702 workers were seriously injured - of these, seven fatalities and 61 serious injuries were in the agricultural sector.

"However almost all of work related accidents can be avoided as the risks and precautions are well known. There is no excuse for poor maintenance of machinery or lack of guarding during the potato harvest.

"Potatoes are one of Scotland's main crops and we hold a good reputation for our high quality produce. Now let's build up a good reputation for ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our farm workers."

The HSE offer a number of safety tips to workers harvesting potatoes including that they ensure chemical spraying is managed safely; that workers follow safety instructions for harvesting machinery; that children are kept away from the harvesting work; that workers do not disembark from moving harvesters; that vehicle and machine engines are switched off when not in use; and that dangerous parts are covered.

YouClaim - Compensation claim leaders in Scotland
The solicitors on our esteemed panel are among the uppermost echelon of personal injury experts in Scotland.

You can be assured of their professionalim. All are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a branch of the Law Society. And all share an outstanding success rate in securing successful outcomes for their clients.

If you have suffered injury in accident that was not your fault, whether wholly or partially, they will be able to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

And, with all but the exception but claims for medical negligence, they will be able to do so on a completely cost-free basis. This means that, win or lose, you will never have to pay anyone a penny to fund the cost of your claim. We do this by protecting you from both our costs and those of the opposing side. We offer so much more than a simple "no win, no fee" service.

We also guarantee all successful pursuers 100 percent compensation. Neither we, nor any other party, will ever take a cut.

To commence your cost-free Scottish accident claim with us, simply fill out a claim form, use our echat facility, or call us now on 0800 10 757 95.