Worrying surge in farm fatalities, HSE data reveals

Twelve people died in farm accidents in Great Britain in spring 2023, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

In total, there were 27 fatalities across all industries from April to the end of June, meaning agriculture accounted for more than 40% of workplace fatalities. Two members of the public also suffered fatal injuries on farms during this period.

Tom McNeill, a partner at law firm BCL Solicitors, said the workplace fatality figures for agriculture were particularly severe during this quarter.

See also: Top farming safety tips from Farmers Weekly readers

“There were 21 fatalities in the sector for the whole of 2022-23. This, sadly, reflects an ongoing trend in the sector for having the highest fatal accident rate compared with other industries,” he added.

Mr McNeill said the latest statistics are a cause for concern for both farm employees and farm business owners.

Unlike many other industries, more than half of farms are sole traders, and often business owners and managers are involved in day-to-day operations, he explained.

Following a fatal accident, this means an increased risk for farmers of being prosecuted for manslaughter; and for farms that are operated through a corporate entity an increased risk of corporate manslaughter.

“Farms, like other businesses, must meet onerous health and safety duties. Unlimited fines, and imprisonment for individuals, may follow for those who do not,” Mr McNeill said.

NFU safety campaign

NFU vice-president David Exwood said many farmers were feeling tired this September after a busy harvest.

As part of the NFU’s latest farm safety campaign, “Take 5 to Stay Alive”, Mr Exwood is encouraging all farmers to take a five-minute pause to consider safety precautions before embarking on any on-farm jobs.

“Please take five minutes to give yourself a break, because tiredness really does kill,” he added.