Barnyard Blunders: When Farming Takes a Fatal Turn

New data from 2023/24 shows that the Agricultural sector accounts for about 20% of all workplace fatalities, despite only employing around 1% of the workforce. This means one-fifth of all workplace deaths occur on farms.

The NFU is urging all farmers to prioritise safety on farms this spring after figures shows the fatal injury rate in British Agriculture has hardly changed in 40 years. 32 people lost their lives following accidents on farms in Great Britain, including the deaths of three children under two.

“We have made no progress in a very, very long time,” Mr Exwood (NFU president) told delegates. “We cannot carry on like this. It is time to make a difference on farm safety.”

How can your business make a difference?

Vehicles and Machinery

The most farm vehicle fatalities occur as a result of being struck by a moving vehicle. 25 people were killed between in 2023/24. To ensure that you manage and reduce the risks involved consider the NFU campaign ‘Take 5 to Stay Alive’. This campaign aims to protect those working in an agricultural setting by thinking about safety precautions before starting a job.

To reduce the risk involved consider ‘the four safes’: safe stopsafe vehicle, safe driver and safe site. Ensure that power to vehicles is turned off (safe stop), that vehicles are suitable for the work to be performed (safe vehicle), ensure your drivers are properly trained and competent to undertake the work (safe driver) and ensure that traffic routes are maintained and well-lit with proper segregation between vehicles and pedestrians (safe site).

Struck by moving, including falling/flying objects

Struck by moving, including falling/flying object accounted for 14 deaths in Great Britain 2023/24. Many reported incidents occur when loading bales onto a trailer so, particularly in the harvest season, always ensure that trailer floors are in good condition, loads are built to bind themselves, stackers keep away from the edges and full loads are secured before leaving the field. Stacking is a skill so ensure stackers are trained, competent people and inspect stacks regularly.

Falls from a height

Falls from a height account for 13 deaths in Great Britain from 2023/24. Most incidents can be avoided if risks are identified and managed; always plan the work in advance and make sure everyone knows the precautions to be followed. Work on fragile roofs is very dangerous (the cause of 3 Agricultural fatalities in 2022/23) and is best avoided if possible; instruct a competent contractor to undertake this work and make sure there is adequate monitoring and supervision.

Injured by an animal

In 2022/23, there were 5 fatalities from being crushed by cattle. Three members of the public on a dog walk, one retired farmer and one farmer (all separate incidences) were found dead in a field with cows and calves after being trampled.

Farmers should avoid keeping cows with calves in fields that have public access as cows can be particularly aggressively when protecting their young. Clear signage should always be used to warn the public about the presence of cattle, especially if there are cows with calves or bulls in the field.

Conclusion

Be proactive in your health and safety management and follow the Birketts safety mantra of:

• say what you do;
• do what you say; and
• have the paperwork to prove it.

At Birketts our team of Safety Specialists (former HSE Inspectors) can offer practical and realistic expert advice and assistance and have the support of our team of specialist solicitors and barristers

The content of this article is for general information only. For further information regarding health and safety and agriculture please contact Julie Gowland.