Farming Safety: The Deadly Reality and How to Protect Workers
Farming is one of the oldest and most essential industries in the world, but it comes with risks that are often overlooked. In the UK, farming accounts for only 1% of the working population, yet it tragically contributes to 16% of all workplace deaths. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Fatal Injuries in Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Report (2023/2024), agriculture remains the sector with the highest rate of fatal injuries, making workers in this field 21 times more likely to suffer a fatal accident compared to other industries.
In the year from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, 23 farm workers and 4 members of the public (including two children) lost their lives in farming-related incidents. These fatalities were caused by various accidents, highlighting the many dangers present on farms. The breakdown of causes includes:
- 9 fatalities related to transport: This includes accidents involving agricultural vehicles or machinery, run-over incidents, rollovers, and crush accidents.
- 3 fatalities related to livestock: This includes one member of the public.
- 2 fatalities related to machinery: These were incidents involving entanglement in machinery and PTO (Power Take-Off) shafts.
- 5 fatalities caused by being struck by objects: Falling bales and collapsing objects contributed to these deaths.
- 2 fatalities from falls from height: These involved fragile roofs and the use of telehandlers.
- 2 fatalities from contact with overhead power lines.
These statistics serve as a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on a farm. A single mistake or failure to follow safety procedures can lead to a fatality, and the consequences are devastating for the workers, their families, and the entire community.
WHY ARE FARM WORKERS AT HIGHER RISK?
New workers entering the agricultural sector are particularly vulnerable. Many have little to no experience working with heavy machinery, livestock, or the challenging environmental factors that come with farming. They may not yet be familiar with the inherent dangers of the job, making safety training and awareness all the more critical.
Protecting Your Farm Workers: Resources and Campaigns
Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help ensure the safety of everyone on the farm. Work Right Agriculture has launched several campaigns and free resources to help farmers and farm workers assess risks and implement safety measures. They offer useful checklists, including a Vehicle Safety Checklist for workers and a Working Safely with Cattle Checklist, which are free to download. Sharing these tools with your workers can go a long way in preventing accidents. To access more resources, visit Work Right Agriculture to learn how to keep Britain’s farms safe.
In addition, the Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) offers a range of free resources that promote safety on farms. You can access everything from safety tips to guidance on best practices through their website, which provides crucial support for both new and experienced farm workers.
Another essential resource is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which offers detailed advice and guides on how to maintain a safe working environment on farms. The What a Good Farm Looks Like guide is an excellent tool for farmers to ensure that they are complying with the latest health and safety regulations and guidelines.
A Split Second Can Change Everything
At the end of the day, farming is about much more than just producing food—it’s about protecting lives. A single moment of inattention or oversight can lead to devastating consequences, not only for the worker but for their family and the farm’s future.
We all need to stop and think before taking any action on the farm. Safety isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset. As a farmer or a farm worker, making good choices in how you operate machinery, interact with livestock, and handle potential hazards is essential to ensuring everyone goes home at the end of the day.
The Most Important Thing is Going Home Safe
Farming will always be a challenging profession, but it doesn’t have to be a deadly one. By taking proactive steps to understand the risks and implementing proper safety protocols, we can reduce fatalities and injuries in this crucial industry.
Remember, no job is worth risking your life for. By making safety a priority, we can protect workers, families, and the communities that rely on agriculture.
To learn more about making your farm safer, visit:
- Work Right Agriculture – Resources and Campaigns for Safety
- Yellow Wellies (Farm Safety Foundation) – Free Resources for Farmers
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Guidance on What a Good Farm Looks Like
Let’s all do our part to make sure every worker makes it home safely to their loved ones.
By spreading awareness, encouraging safety, and utilizing the free resources available, we can work together to reduce these tragic accidents and make farming a safer place for everyone involved.
