THE INQUEST into the death of Pembrokeshire farmer has returned a verdict of accidental death. 

Last year, farming bosses had warned of the dangers of working in the agricultural industry following the fatal accident that occurred on October 13. Llanrhian farm worker Gerraint Stuart Rees was killed in an accident involving ploughing equipment in Hereford. The 40-year-old, who lived on Rectory Road, Hampton Bishop, Herefordshire, died while working on land owned by S T Leighton and Sons and was the second fatal accident involving a Welsh farmer during a period of only a few weeks. The inquest heard how DI Martyn Barnes, investigations officer, had ascertained that Mr Rees must have slipped, due possibly to uneven ground and possible fallen beneath the tractor, his body would then have been caught under the drill. The vehicle was deemed to be road worthy by vehicle examiner Robert Beales and Health and Safety Executive employee, Christopher Gregory, confirmed that Mr Rees had attempted to climb on to the moving tractor, resulting in the accident. In a statement released by the Hereford company Court Farm, Nicholas Leighton said at the time: “Geraint was well liked by everyone on the farm and he was a valued employee. This was a tragic event and our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time. I will assist the authorities with any further inquiries they may have.” Detectives from Hereford CID determined the death was not suspicious. The fatality had come just a week after new Health and Safety Executive figures revealed agriculture was still one of the most dangerous industries in which to work. NFU Cymru President, Ed Bailey said: “While incidents like this are thankfully very rare, it highlights the fact that we as farmers must be aware of the potential risks when operating machinery.” He stated that latest statistics show a fall in the number of workers killed in Britain, and continued, by saying: “I am pleased to see the statistic come down and hope that this is a reflection of the farm safety initiative and a greater level of awareness, but one death is still too many.” Taken as a whole, there are 78.5 injuries per 100,000 employees in the workplace, but farming alone has 239.4 major injuries per 100,000.