Tractor Accident 2003

TUC January 2003 TGWU calls for child

tractor ban after death

 

The death of 12-year-old Evan Thomas in a tractor accident on Anglesey last weekend has lead to renewed union calls for action to ban children from the working areas of farms and the under-16s from driving tractors. Peter Allenson, national secretary for agriculture at the union TGWU, said: 'Another fatal accident involving a child is a tragedy for the family and the farm and we send our heartfelt condolences.' He added: 'Once again it takes a tragic death of a child to show how dangerous farms and farm machinery are. Farms should be treated as dangerous workplaces and not an extension of the home. We hope there will be a lasting memorial to Evan Thomas, with children not being allowed near dangerous machinery and that under-16s will be banned from driving tractors.' In July 2001, TGWU called for legislation to ban children driving tractors (Risks 11). Children as young as 13 can still drive tractors on UK farms.

PR03/029 - For immediate release - Wednesday 29th January 2003
Newsdesks: agriculture and industrial correspondents, Health & Safety specialist press

Child's death on Welsh farm highlights
the urgent need for tractor ban

 

The death of Evan Thomas in a tractor accident on Anglesey at the weekend has reinforced calls from the Transport and General Workers' Union for action to ban children from the working areas of farms and the under-16's from driving tractors. Speaking in London today, T&G national secretary for agriculture Peter Allenson sent his condolences to the family concerned and echoed comments by the Farmers Union of Wales that machinery is dangerous.

"Another fatal accident involving a child is a tragedy for the family and the farm and we send our heartfelt condolences," said Mr. Allenson. "There will, of course, be a proper inquiry and we will await the detailed findings.

"But once again it takes a tragic death of a child to show how dangerous farms and farm machinery are. Farms should be treated as dangerous workplaces and not an extension of the home

"We hope there will be a lasting memorial to Evan Thomas," concluded Mr. Allenson. "with children not being allowed near dangerous machinery and that under-16s will be banned from driving tractors." ENDS

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