Farming has been identified as the most dangerous profession in the UK, according to the latest data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The statistics reveal that the agricultural sector continues to have the poorest safety record of any occupation.
In the year 2023/24, a total of 27 people lost their lives on farms across England, Scotland, and Wales. Among these fatalities, four were members of the public, including two children. One child was tragically killed by a moving vehicle, while the other succumbed to injuries from a collapsing wall.
The overall number of fatalities in the farming sector remained unchanged from the previous year. However, there was a slight increase in the number of farm workers killed, rising to 23 from 21 in 2022/23. Notably, nearly 40% of these workers were over the age of 65.
The situation in Northern Ireland mirrors that of the rest of the UK, with eight fatal injuries reported in the farming sector, bringing the total number of fatalities to 35 across the UK.
Disproportionate Risk in Agriculture
Despite accounting for only 1% of the working population, the agricultural sector is responsible for 20% of all workplace deaths in the UK. This means that one-fifth of all workplace fatalities occur on farms, highlighting the significant risks associated with the profession.
In addition to the HSE data, separate figures from insurer NFU Mutual showed a total of 937 farm accident claims in 2023/24, down from 1,021 in the previous year. These claims, amounting to over £68 million, were primarily related to falls from heights, trapped body parts, and falling objects.
Launch of Farm Safety Week
These alarming figures have been released to coincide with the launch of Farm Safety Week. This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote safety practices within the agricultural community.
The release of these statistics comes just two months after the HSE announced a shift in focus from farm inspections to occupational health issues. Sue Thompson, head of agriculture at the HSE, emphasized the need for a significant cultural shift to improve safety standards.
“Change requires a significant shift in culture,” Thompson stated, urging farmers to prioritize the health and safety of themselves and others. “It is important farmers remain healthy and safe as they carry out an incredibly important, but at times, difficult job. Sadly, the numbers of fatalities within the industry remain stubbornly high.”
The Call for Cultural Change
Thompson highlighted the industry’s recurring failures in managing health and safety risks, which lead to preventable serious and fatal injuries. The deaths of children on farms remain a particularly tragic and unacceptable issue.
“We will keep working with vital agricultural industry partners such as the Farm Safety Foundation/Yellow Wellies. However, the whole industry must take the lead in driving the cultural change that is so desperately needed,” Thompson added.
The call for change is clear: for the safety and well-being of all involved in farming, a concerted effort is needed to transform the culture around health and safety in agriculture. The hope is that through initiatives like Farm Safety Week and ongoing collaboration with industry partners, meaningful progress can be made in reducing the risks faced by those working in this vital sector.
You Might Be Interested In:
