A farm safety event concentrating on health issues as well as avoiding incidents has been declared a great success.

NFU Mutual’s North Dorset agency staged the event at Brunsell Farm, Stourton Caundle, in the Blackmore Vale.

Farmers received a wide range of information on operating a truly safe farm.

The presentations included Sarah Hamilton-Fairley, joint CEO of the UK Sepsis Trust, on the dangers of sepsis and how to spot symptoms of the serious infection before it becomes life threatening.

Farmers and other outdoor workers are particularly susceptible to sepsis because of the physical nature of their work – and are often reluctant, or too busy, to seek help.

Sarah said: “It’s so important that the farming community have an awareness of sepsis and know what to look out for, and what to do, if they suspect they, or someone they know, might have the condition.

“Time is of the essence as early treatment can often make all the difference.

“We’re so pleased to be working in partnership with NFU Mutual.

“Together, we’re determined to spread the word even more widely – that way we can save lives that, too frequently, are needlessly lost.”

NHS mental health specialist Kisi Kent also made a presentation, highlighting the importance for farmers and others who work in stressful and often isolated jobs, to seek help if they feel their mental health is under pressure.

Other advice and guidance was provided on the safe operation of machinery, transportation on and off the farm and working at height.

Jude Green and Justin Pinder, NFU Mutual Agents for North Dorset, organised the event, which included lunch for the 30 farmers who came along.

Justin said he found the presentations on machinery safety and sepsis particularly interesting and gave special thanks to machinery dealers CJ Cox and the UK Sepsis Trust for their contributions.

He added: “All the speakers and presentations were excellent.

“The standouts for me were the machinery safety, where we all were taken around a typical vehicle.

“Sarah provided invaluable knowledge on the risks sepsis can have on a highly vulnerable industry such as farming.”