Jump in farm deaths in first quarter

Two members of the public were also killed on farm from April to June 2023

Alex Black
clock • 2 min read
Jump in farm deaths in first quarter

Twelve people died on farms in the first half of the year with agriculture making up 44 per cent of deaths in the workplace.

Two members of the public were also killed on farm from April to June 2023.

Causes of death included coming into contact with electricity, being struck by a moving vehicle, cattle and being trapped by something collapsing.

See also: Man dies following tractor collision

The number of deaths was more than half the amount of people killed in the 12 months from April 2022 to March 2023, which stood at 21.

Tom McNeill, partner at law firm BCL Solicitors said it was a ‘particularly severe quarter' for UK agriculture.

Farm deaths

"This, sadly, reflects an ongoing trend in the sector for having the highest fatal accident rate compared to other industries.

"These latest statistics are a cause for concern for employees as well as farm business owners," he said.

He added farms, like other businesses, needed to meet their health and safety duties.

"Unlimited fines, and imprisonment for individuals, may follow for those who do not. What sets agriculture apart from many other industries is that over half of farms are sole traders and often business owners and managers are involved in day-to-day operations," he said.

"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."

 

For individuals, a manslaughter conviction would likely mean a significant prison sentence but for organisations, corporate manslaughter means higher farms and smaller organisations risk ‘being fined out of existence', Mr McNeill said.

"These risks may have implications for how farmers wish to structure their businesses. Following a fatal accident, it requires a robust defence from the outset.

"A proactive and strategic approach will mitigate the risk of corporate manslaughter, and protect individuals from the risk of prosecution, as well as mitigating health and safety risks for organisations."

2020 MALONE TEDD AIR 4 ROTOR TEDDER

2020 MALONE TEDD AIR 4 ROTOR TEDDER

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

Case CX210B Excavator Piped/Rotate

Case CX210B Excavator Piped/Rotate

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

JCB 718 Articulated Dump Truck on LGP Tyres

JCB 718 Articulated Dump Truck on LGP Tyres

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Farm Safety

Support builds for ATV safety rethink

Support builds for ATV safety rethink

'There should be no excuses when it comes to safety,' says one farmer

clock 14 September 2024 • 2 min read
HSE urged to rethink rules on ATV roll bars

HSE urged to rethink rules on ATV roll bars

Farmer launches safety campaign following spate of on-farm quad bike incidents

clock 05 September 2024 • 2 min read
Welsh farmer fined after 'illegally' allowing grandson to accompany him in his tractor cab

Welsh farmer fined after 'illegally' allowing grandson to accompany him in his tractor cab

“The solution is very simple – young children should never ride in agricultural vehicles”

clock 30 August 2024 • 2 min read