According to statistics, around 472,000 people are currently employed within the UK agricultural sector. Whilst working in Farming and Agriculture can be deeply rewarding in many ways, it’s not without risk. Research shows that farming is the second most dangerous industry to work in. Operating heavy specialist equipment and power tools as well as working through challenging weather conditions throughout the year are just some of the factors that increase the risk level.

This month's difficult news, that BBC’s The Farmers’ Country Showdown star Fred Collins suffered ‘life-changing injuries’ in tragic farm accident, helps to highlight the dangers of working in farming.

Between 2020 and 2021, 41 farm related fatalities were recorded in the UK by the Health and Safety Executives (HSE). Fatal injuries amongst agricultural workers are high, as they find themselves 18 times more likely to sustain an injury than any other worker, according to the HSE.

Together with the team at Watermans Solicitors and their wide experience of personal injury cases, we’ve got a guide to help spread awareness of accidents which could occur on a farm, along with the legal rights of employees working in agriculture. 

Understanding your rights as an employee

Farm workers may be resistant to making a claim or taking time off for their injuries for various reasons, including not wanting to slow down production on their farm. Many people employed within the industry are also self-employed or are working on a contractor basis. Regardless of your circumstances, you are still entitled to a safe work environment.

Every employer has a duty of care to their employees, to uphold safe working practices. Most farms will have insurance to protect both the business and their employees, in the event of an accident. Legally, an employee cannot be dismissed for claiming against their employer. 

What every farm employee can expect from their employer

Every employer must legally provide the following for their employees:

• Safe working environment and methods
• Sufficient training
• Working equipment

Risk assessments should be completed regularly to protect workers. If a fault is flagged by an employee, an employer must assess and resolve the issue in a timely manner.

Four common farm related accidents

1. Trips and Falls

This is the most common injury on a farm and can come about from uneven or wet ground, resulting in a trip for both workers and visitors. Agricultural workers regularly scale barns, balance on silos, and cut down trees – all presenting a high risk of injury. Working around slurry pits and storage tanks is highly dangerous too and accidents in these areas can be fatal.

2. Machinery

The mismanagement of farming tools and heavy machinery such as tractors and forklifts, can lead to serious injuries, especially if the tools are defective. Many accidents happen involving tractors or operating machinery, resulting in trapped limbs in the mechanism. Noise from tools can also cause hearing damage if workers are not provided with ear protection.

3. Livestock

Workers not properly trained to handle animals can increase the risk of accidents. A kick by a bull can be fatal, bites may put someone out of work and herding without experience could result in being trampled on. 

4. Exposure to chemicals, asbestos and debris

Exposure to debris, asbestos and dust over a long period of time can cause respiratory issues (known as ‘Farmers Lung’) or even cancer. Long term exposure to pesticides can also cause rashes, vomiting, and breathing problems. An employer must ensure that proper ventilation is installed and should provide gloves, masks, and other protection for their employees.