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Looks at the maintenance problem of braking systems on tractors and other agricultural vehicles in Great Britain. Impact of brake servicing and repair on agricultural industry accidents; Shortcomings highlighted by an Health and Safety Executive inspection campaign on brake maintenance; Examples of brake inadequacy that led to deaths.

The article reports that 27 people have died in farm accidents in 2013-2014 in Great Britain, according to the British Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Topics discussed include decline in the number of farm accidents during the period compared with a year ago, cost of farm accidents in 2013 and common farm accidents that occurred during the period. Also discussed are the factors believed to be behind most farm accidents.

An interview with Rich Brunt, head of agriculture at Great Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is presented. Brunt discusses the challenges they are facing in their efforts to lower the accident rate in the agriculture industry, as well as the main concentration of their work at HSE. Also mentioned are their Farm Safety Partnerships program, their strategy that is linked to themes like leadership and competence and their recommendation on dealing with an unsafe workplace.

The article addresses a report by the Health and Safety Executive of Great Britain that agriculture remains the most dangerous civilian occupation, with more deaths per 100,000 workers than construction, manufacturing or services. The total number of workplace fatalities for all industries during 2006/2007 was 241, equivalent to 0.8 deaths per 100,000 workers, up from the 217 recorded in the previous year. In agriculture there were 34 workplace deaths, the same as 2005/2006 and equivalent to 8.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.