11-year-old dies after being hit by tractor
Posted: August 11, 2013
Posted in: Head and Brain Injuries Road Traffic Accidents Workplace Injuries Wrongful & Accidental Death
Harry Whitlam, from Wakefield, has died after being hit by a tractor at a farm just outside of Leeds. He was injured at around 09:20 BST on Friday morning and was immediately airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary. He received emergency head surgery on arrival, but sadly died on Friday night.
West Yorkshire Police have arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol. He has since been released on bail until further investigations have been carried out. West Yorkshire Police said that investigations are currently underway and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Swithens Farm in Rothwell is a farm that opens as a visitor attraction all year round – offering a farm shop, play barn, café and open farm experience to families on days out. A ‘news’ snippet on their website has described the incident as “tragic” and states that their “thoughts are with Harry’s family”.
The father of the farm’s co-owner Angela Broadhead – Jim Reid – said that everyone at the farm is “very, very upset” about the boy’s death.
Dangers of working in agriculture
The agricultural sector in general sees some of the highest numbers of fatalities amongst the working population. Agriculture is responsible for between 15% and 20% of fatalities to workers each year, and also has the highest ‘fatal injury incidence rate’ out of all the main industrial sectors, including construction.
In a ten year period – from 1999 to 2009 – a total of 436 people have died as a result of agricultural work activities, with many more being injured and suffering ill health.
If you have sustained an injury at work and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
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