The death of a man on a Perthshire farm has led to the farming community highlighting the “heartache” of such tragedies.
Graham Shaw, 54, of Peattie Farm, near Woodside, Coupar Angus, died following an incident involving a forklift truck.
Police have stated he was pronounced dead at the scene and confirmed the matter has been passed to the Health And Safety Executive (HSE) for investigation.
On Tuesday, Mr Shaw’s sister-in-law confirmed he had died following the accident but said the family didn’t wish to comment further on the matter.
A police spokesperson said officers were called to the farm at around 1pm on Saturday in response to the reported death of a 54-year-old man.
“The male was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin were made aware,” he said.
“The matter has been passed to HSE for investigation, and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.”
A spokesperson for HSE said: “We are aware of the fatality and an inspector has attended at the site.”
The National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland has stated that 37% of all farm accidents – both fatal and non-fatal – were caused by vehicles or machinery last year. Figures show that over the past decade, almost 80 men, women and children have died on Scottish farms and significantly more have been badly injured as a result of farming activities.
A spokesperson for NFU Scotland said: “Deaths like this bring a catalogue of heartbreak and misery to numerous Scottish families and rural communities each year.
“Any death or serious injury on Scottish farms and crofts brings heartbreak and misery to friends, family and the wider rural community.”
He continued: “The recent deaths on Scottish farms and crofts highlight that farming remains one of the most hazardous industries to work in and simply strengthens the union’s resolve and commitment to work with others and improve our sector’s health and safety record.
“For the sake of farmers, their families and their staff, safety considerations need to be first and foremost whenever anyone is going onto a farm.
“Farm safety is a priority of the NFU and it is through initiatives like Farm Safety Week that we hope to spread the word on working safely on farms, no matter how big or small the job is.”
Statistics for the last decade, released by HSE, show that 13 people were killed on Scottish farms by falls when working at heights, nine people were killed in incidents involving livestock along with 26 people were killed when their vehicles had overturned or they were struck by a moving vehicle.
And the figures also show that six people were killed when they came into contact with working machinery or equipment.
