A personal injury lawyer has said “incidents are happening too frequently” in farming, and more needs to be done to keep the industry safe.
Figures from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that 27 people lost their lives on farms in 2023/2024.
While agriculture only accounts for 1% of the working population, 20% of all workplace deaths are in this sector.
Specialist serious injury lawyer Lee Hart said that, despite increased awareness of health and safety measures, the number of deaths and life-changing injuries remain too high, and the HSE’s decision to halt farm safety inspections is concerning.
“Farming is undoubtedly a dangerous profession and of course, accidents are going to happen. But that aside, incidents are happening too frequently,” Hart said.
“The HSE issue helpful guidance and initiatives like Farm Safety Week are incredibly important to reduce accidents across the agriculture industry, but more needs to be done.”
Farm safety
“It is concerning that the HSE has decided to put a stop to farm safety inspections, a decision which is likely to increase risks to the health and safety of workers in the farming sector,” Hart said.
“Whilst they will continue to investigate serious accidents or deaths, the halting of safety inspections, training and events could lead to an increase in serious injuries and lost lives.”
Hart said the HSE must work collaboratively with farmers to mprove standards and prevent accidents occuring.
Data from rural insurer NFU Mutual shows there were 937 farm accident claims in 2023/24 totalling more than £68 million.
Claims included those related to falls from height, trapped body parts and falling objects.
Hart said: “Major agricultural insurers, such as NFU Mutual, will increasingly be relied upon to fill the gap left by the HSE halting investigations.”
