The Pea and Bean Growers Association (PBGA) has announced the "resounding" success of its recent Health and Safety Seminar, held on 5 June 2024, at the Oxbo site in Fakenham. The event brought together industry professionals, experts, and members of the agricultural community to focus on critical issues affecting the health and safety of growers and farm workers.

The seminar featured comprehensive sessions on Mental Health, Electrical Safety, and Machine Safety, ensuring participants gained valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance safety measures on their farms. Holly Jones, secretariat for the Pea and Bean Growers Association, expressed, "We are thrilled with the success of this seminar. It is crucial for our members to stay informed about health and safety practices, and the insights provided by our speakers were invaluable."

Andy Beach, PBGA H&S Committee Chair, added, “The natural feeling from many people is to question the value of such events. As was the case with this seminar, those who questioned it probably gained the most from it. I think it's fair to say that this type of event is nigh on unique, and even without the brilliant speakers, just the social aspect was valued by all. While we came from far and wide, once all together it felt like a single team, with many common goals. If this seminar prevented only one health and safety incident from happening, then we have achieved our goal.”

- Mental Health Awareness by YANA: YANA (You Are Not Alone), is a Norfolk based Charity that was set up by farmers, for farmers, and has provided mental health support to those involved in agriculture for over 15 years. Joanne Collins delivered a powerful presentation on mental health, emphasising the importance of mental well-being in the agricultural sector and highlight strategies to identify and manage stress, as well as advising on resources and support systems available to those in need. Joanne was also joined by Tim Papworth, a Norfolk farmer who told his story about falling 14feet off a ladder, losing part of his skull and what impact that had on him, his family and everyone else around him. His advice is to take your time and assess what you need to do, rather than rushing into it.

- Electrical Safety by the National Grid: Craig Wakefield-Coates from the National Grid provided an in-depth overview of electrical safety practices. This session covered essential safety protocols, risk assessment techniques, and preventive measures to avoid electrical hazards and ensuring the safety of both workers and equipment.

- Machine Safety by Oxbo: Oxbo, the event's host and sponsor, led an informative session on machine safety. Attendees learned about the latest advancements in machinery safety features. The presentation underscored Oxbo's commitment to promoting safe and efficient farming practices. A spokesperson from Oxbo commented, "Ploeger Oxbo UK were very pleased to be involved in the PBGA Health and safety seminar. As a global manufacturer, Oxbo is committed to produce agricultural machinery that adopts the directives, standards and best practices of our industry. Close communication with grower groups gives us the opportunity to learn from the group members, about how our harvesters are operated and maintained within their organisations. Enabling us to continue to evaluate and improve operational health and safety."

The PBGA has extended its gratitude to all speakers, attendees, and especially to Oxbo for their generous sponsorship and hospitality. The association looks forward to organising more such events in the future to continue supporting and educating its members on vital health and safety issues.