Working on a farm remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK.
While other industries have managed to reduce the number of accidents at work and deaths over the last decade the agricultural sector continues to see a significant number of fatalities and injuries.
Agricultural workers are most at risk of being seriously injured or even dying while at work according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the government agency responsible for regulating workplace safety.
Its figures show 41 people were killed as a result of farming and other agriculture-related accidents during 2021.
Overturning vehicles or being struck by moving vehicles were the cause of most deaths.
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Fatalities by Region in 2021
- South West of England – 8 deaths
- Yorkshire & Humber – 7 deaths
- Wales – 7 deaths
- Scotland – 5
- North West – 5
- West Midlands – 5
Farmers called on to prioritise safety
Britain’s workplace regulator says more must be done to improve farm safety and reduce accidents at work.
HSE’s acting head of agriculture Adrian Hodkinson says: “We are urging people who work on farms to make safety a priority and help us to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in the industry.”
In my experience of representing clients who have been seriously injured while working on farms, many of those accidents could have been avoided.
Farm and agricultural managers need to better understand their legal responsibilities; avoiding shortcuts in safe working practices and not turn a blind eye when regulations are not being enforced.
Auction mart fined £18,000 after worker killed by bull
In March 2022 a livestock auction mart was fined £18,000 after an employee was fatally injured when he was struck by a dairy bull he was helping to load onto a lorry.
Preston Magistrates’ Court heard that in August 2017, the man was helping to move a bull and four cows at the premises of his employer Gisburn Auction Marts Ltd in Lancashire. The bull turned and attacked him, causing fatal injuries.
An investigation by the HSE found there weren’t any suitable refuges or barriers within the loading area for those handling the livestock to shelter behind, if for example, cattle became fractious.
HSE inspector Anthony Banks said: “This incident could so easily have been prevented. The company should have undertaken a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify, and put in place, the appropriate control measures.”
Around 340,000 people work in the agricultural sector, this accounts for around 1% of the UK’s workforce – yet the industry accounts for 20% of all worker deaths in the UK.
Agriculture is recognised as having “poor record of managing health and safety risks” and although fatalities and injuries have reduced there is no clear downward trend.
£500,000 damages and ‘critical’ rehab support for farm worker who suffered serious injury
One of our clients, a young farm worker, made an accident at work claim following a serious leg fracture in a work accident and was eventually awarded £500,000 damages and provided with a comprehensive rehabilitation support package to help him rebuild his life.
The leg break was so bad that the victim needed further extensive surgery more than two years after first suffering the injury.
The man, who was 17 at the time of the accident, suffered an open tibial fracture when his right leg became trapped under a steel beam.
The settlement covers past and future care and loss of earnings, future medical expenses and therapies, the cost of adaptions required at his home and ongoing rehabilitation support.
The legal claim was settled with company insurers, which admitted liability.
Read more: £500,000 compensation and ‘crucial rehabilitation support’ for injured farm worker
Farm Safety Awareness
This year the Farm Safety Partnership aims to increase awareness of farm safety and to reduce work-related fatalities and injuries like the one sustained by our client. It is focusing on four key areas to include:
Livestock
- Ensure all those handling livestock are trained and competent
- Use of properly designed race and crush suitable for the animals you work with
- Ensure a rigorous culling policy for temperamental animals
- Avoid working alone with large animals and keep away people, children or dogs that risk alarming them
Children on farms
- Create a dedicated safe and secure fenced play area
- Ensure children are fully supervised at all times by a responsible adult
- You need a risk assessment if you employ people under the age of 18
- Do not allow any child under 13 to drive or ride on any agricultural self-propelled machines such as tractors
Farm transport and machinery
- Ensure vehicles are well maintained
- Check tyre pressures routinely and regularly.
- Keep people and moving vehicles well apart
- Never carry passengers
- All drivers must be trained and competent
- Keep all mirrors and cab windows clean
- Ensure all loads are stable and secure
- Always check for people on the ground when driving
- Always ensure the vehicle or machine is in Safe Stop mode before undertaking any maintenance
Falls from height
- Avoid or minimise the time spent working at heights – plan ahead, avoid wet or icy conditions and always use safety equipment
- Reduce the risk of falls from large machinery such as combines by always using the access ladders, steps and/or standing platforms
- All those working at heights must be trained, competent and use appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE)
- Do not work on top of or walk within two meters of any uncovered fragile roof areas without using platforms with full guard rails, suitable safety harnesses, safety netting or other fall prevention or mitigation systems
- Do not work on any open-ended floors or platforms if they are not protected with suitable guard rails
Specialists in Farm Accident Claims
At Hudgells our team of dedicated injury at work solicitors has a wealth of experience in workplace accident and injury claims. We’re always here for a free initial confidential discussion regarding your situation. Getting in touch could make a huge difference to your future.
Making a Claim for a Farming Accident
Your employer has a legal obligation to do all they can to ensure injuries do not occur at work by putting safety measures and procedures in place. However, if they fail to do this, and you suffer an injury as a result, we can help you get the compensation and comprehensive rehabilitation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a farming accident that wasn’t your fault, please contact our dedicated claims team today. All claims have a time limit, so don’t delay. We’ll take the worry and hassle out of making a claim.
Read more: Farming Accident Compensation Claims