A NEW report has revealed an unprecedented link between poor mental health and safety on farms.
Farming has the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK.
A study by a leading farm charity has now found that 85% of young farmers believe there is a definite link between mental health and the overall safety of farms while 84% of farmers under 40 believe that mental health is the biggest danger problem facing farmers today.
On the back of the research the Farm Safety Foundation will today (Monday) launch their third annual Mind Your Head campaign to raise awareness of the issues facing farmers and the link between farm safety and mental health.
The charity points out that the farming industry faces many stress factors which are placing increasing pressure on workers and putting them at greater risk of mental ill health.
These include extended amounts of time working in isolation, a blurring between work and home life and financial uncertainty.
Brexit, changing consumer habits, and the climate crisis present further threats to the industry.
READ MORE: Third of Scots uncomfortable talking about mental health struggles
The total income in the UK from farming decreased by £971m between 2017 and 2018 and 42% of UK farmers would have made a loss between 2014 and 2017 without direct payments from the EU.
During the Mind Your Head week, farmers in Scotland will be interviewed by researchers to see what can be done to improve mental health in the industry.
With the support of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland, the researchers will begin by holding interviews with farmers at Thainstone and Orkney marts from February 11.
NFUS president, Andrew McCornick, said: “Mental health and wellbeing is a hugely important subject which too often is ignored in the farming community.
"Over the last few years we have been seeing more and more people coming out in our industry and shining a light on the issue of depression and anxiety and how it can be so prevalent in farmers and crofters."
READ MORE: NHS Tayside apologises after damning mental health inquiry
Those seeking more information on how to tackle poor mental health in the industry can visit the Farm Safety Foundation’s website www.yellowwellies.org and social media channels, where they can access stories, advice and services and a film highlighting these issues on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
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