A farm accident can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Agricultural work is inherently risky, with farm workers facing numerous hazards daily. According to the Health and Safety Executive, there were 21 fatal injuries to workers in 2022/23, compared to an annual average of 26 fatalities over the previous five years. Additionally, six members of the public suffered fatal injuries during the same period.

Here, we look at the various types of farm accidents, their causes, and the importance of safety measures.

Fatal Farm Accidents

Farm accidents can result in fatal injuries, highlighting the dangerous nature of agricultural work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 21 fatal injuries to farm workers in 2022/23. This figure is slightly lower than the annual average of 26 fatalities recorded over the five-year period from 2018/19 to 2022/23. Additionally, there were six fatal injuries to members of the public in 2022/23, compared to an annual average of five fatalities in the previous five years.

Understanding the types of accidents that lead to these fatalities is essential for improving farm safety. According to the HSE, the breakdown of fatal injuries by accident type in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors is as follows:

• Struck by moving vehicle (28%): this is the leading cause of fatal injuries on farms. Farm vehicles, such as tractors and harvesters, can be dangerous if not operated carefully.
• Struck by moving/falling objects (15%): injuries caused by objects falling from heights or being struck by equipment can be fatal.
• Falls from a height (15%): working at height, whether on ladders or platforms, poses significant risks if proper precautions are not taken.
• Injured by an animal (15%): interactions with livestock can be unpredictable, leading to fatal injuries if animals become aggressive or frightened.
• Contact with moving machinery (14%): machinery used on farms, such as balers and conveyors, can be lethal if safety guards are not in place or if the machinery is not used correctly.

Non-Fatal Farm Injuries

Non-fatal farm injuries are common and can significantly impact the health and productivity of farm workers. The HSE reports that an average of 9,000 workers sustained non-fatal injuries at work annually over the three-year period from 2020/21 to 2022/23. This rate has not shown a clear trend change compared to the pre-pandemic period of 2014/15 to 2016/17.

The types of non-fatal injuries reported in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are varied:

• Slips, trips or falls from the same level (25%): this is the most common type of non-fatal injury. Wet or uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, and improper footwear can all contribute to these accidents.
• Falls from a height (13%): similar to fatal injuries, falls from ladders, roofs or platforms can cause severe harm, including broken bones and head injuries.
• Injured by an animal (12%): non-fatal injuries from animals include bites, kicks and crush injuries, often resulting in bruises, fractures or other serious injuries.
• Contact with moving machinery (11%): machinery accidents can lead to cuts, crush injuries and amputations. Safety guards and proper training are essential to prevent these incidents.
• Injured while handlifting, lifting or carrying (11%): manual handling injuries, such as strains and sprains, are common due to the heavy and repetitive nature of farm work.
• Struck by moving/falling objects (10%): being hit by tools, equipment or other objects can cause a range of injuries from minor cuts to severe trauma.

Non-fatal injuries, while not leading to death, can still have a profound effect on a worker's ability to perform their duties and maintain their livelihood. These injuries can result in long-term health issues, extended periods of recovery, and significant medical expenses.

Common Causes of Farm Accidents

Understanding the common causes of farm accidents is crucial for implementing effective safety measures. Farm workers face numerous hazards daily, and identifying these risks can help prevent both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Here are some of the most common causes of farming accidents:

Heavy Machinery and Equipment Accidents

Farm equipment such as tractors, combine harvesters and balers are essential for agricultural work, but can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. Accidents often occur due to:

• Lack of training: operators without proper training are more likely to make errors that lead to accidents.
• Mechanical failures: poor maintenance can result in equipment malfunctions.
• Improper use: using machinery for purposes it wasn’t designed for can lead to serious injuries.

Animal-Related Injuries

Working with livestock presents unique challenges and risks. Common animal-related injuries include:

• Bites and kicks: animals can become aggressive or defensive, leading to injuries.
• Crush injuries: handling large animals can result in being crushed against walls or other structures.
• Zoonotic diseases: direct contact with animals can also lead to illnesses transmitted from animals to humans.

Falls and Trips

Falls and trips are significant causes of both fatal and non-fatal injuries on farms. Contributing factors include:

• Uneven ground: farms often have uneven, slippery or cluttered surfaces.
• Working at heights: tasks such as repairing roofs, working on silos, or climbing ladders can lead to falls.
• Inadequate footwear: not wearing appropriate footwear increases the risk of slips and falls.

Manual Handling Injuries

Manual handling tasks, including lifting, carrying and moving heavy objects, are common in farming and can result in:

• Muscle strains: overexertion can cause strains and sprains, particularly to the back.
• Repetitive strain injuries: Repetitive tasks can lead to long-term injuries affecting joints and muscles.

Vehicle-Related Accidents

Commonly used vehicles such as tractors and ATVs pose significant risks to farm workers. Common issues include:

• Rollovers: tractors and ATVs can roll over, particularly on uneven terrain, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
• Collisions: poor visibility and lack of proper training can result in collisions with other vehicles, equipment or people.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing farm accidents requires a concerted effort from both employers and employees. While it is the employer's responsibility to provide a safe working environment, employees must also follow safety procedures to protect themselves and their colleagues. Here are key strategies to prevent common farming accidents:

Importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Providing and using the correct PPE is essential for safeguarding farm workers. Employers must ensure that appropriate PPE, such as helmets, gloves, safety boots and eye protection, is available and in good condition. Employees must wear the provided PPE correctly and consistently to minimise the risk of injuries.

Training and Safety Protocols

Comprehensive training is crucial for preventing accidents. Employers should:

• Conduct regular training sessions: ensure all workers are trained in the safe operation of machinery and equipment.
• Provide specific training: tailor training to include safe handling of animals, proper lifting techniques, and emergency procedures.
• Update training: continuously update training materials to reflect new safety standards and practices.

Employees must actively participate in training sessions and apply the safety protocols learned to their daily tasks.

Regular Maintenance and Safety Checks

Farm equipment and machinery require regular maintenance to operate safely. Employers should:

• Schedule regular inspections: implement a routine schedule for inspecting and servicing equipment.
• Repair and replace: promptly repair or replace faulty machinery to prevent accidents.
• Keep Records: maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities.

Employees should report any equipment issues immediately and refrain from using machinery that appears unsafe.

Safe Handling Practices for Animals

Working with animals requires specific safety measures to prevent injuries. Employers should:

• Develop handling procedures: establish clear procedures for handling and moving animals.
• Provide proper facilities: ensure that enclosures, pens and loading areas are designed to minimise the risk of injury.

Employees must follow established handling procedures and remain vigilant when working with animals to avoid unpredictable behaviour that can lead to injuries.

Measures to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

Preventing slips, trips and falls is essential for reducing non-fatal injuries. Employers should:

• Maintain work areas: keep walkways, work areas and storage spaces clean and free of obstacles.
• Provide suitable footwear: supply footwear that provides good traction and is appropriate for the working conditions.

Install safety features: use guardrails, handrails and non-slip surfaces in areas prone to slips and falls.