The number of people killed in agriculture-related activities in the
last 12 months has fallen from its high level in 2021, but the rate
of fatal injuries in the sector remains the highest of all major
industries . Provisional figures for 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2022
show 25 people were killed in agriculture- related activities, 22
workers and 3 members the public. The total of 25 is fewer than
the previous year and 7 fewer than the five-year average. The oldest
farmer killed in the most recent year was 85 , the youngest person
killed was a nine-year-old child. Although, the number of fatal
injuries to workers in the agriculture sector has fallen by half
since the early 1980’s, the rate of fatalities, which is based on the
number of people at work in the sector, has remained high. The
worker fatal injury rate is 21 times higher than the average five-
year annual rate across all industries. The most common causes
of death in agriculture have not changed for many years. This
year is no different. The 5 most common causes of work-related
death in agriculture are *Being struck by a moving vehicle.
*Being struck by an object, such as bales, *coming into contact with
machinery , during operation or maintenance , * Falling from height,
*Being crushed or trampled by animals, usually cattle,
Older workers, those aged 65 and older, accounted for more than a
third of all worker fatalities. Publication of the report coincides with
the start of Farm Safety Week.
Sue Thompson, Head of Agriculture, Health & Safety Executive, said
” Farming families are left devastated every year when their loved
ones are killed. The numbers of fatalities this year is lower than last,
and we are starting to see improvements in some areas, but the pace
of change is slow, and the rate of workplace fatal injury in agriculture
remains the highest of any sector. Agriculture is a vital part of our
economy, and everyone involved is rightly proud of the quality and
standard of the food produced. But it is not acceptable that agriculture
continues to fail to manage risk in the workplace. We need everyone to
play their part to improve the culture and modify the poor behaviours
we see far too frequently. I encourage everyone to do things the right
way and have the courage to ‘call out’ poor practices whenever they
are seen. Agriculture will continue to be a priority sector for HSE.
we are committed to making workplaces safer and holding employers
to account for their actions, as part of our mission to protect people
and places. Awareness of hazards and risk have never been higher,
and Farm Safety Week has played its part in this. But its regrettable
that we’re not yet seeing the widespread changes in attitude
towards safety, and the improvements in behaviour that will reduce
the numbers of people injured or killed. Everyone has a role to play
in making the changes we all want to see. Together, we can make
farming Safer.” The full report and more information on working
safely in agriculture is available on the HSE website.
Farm Safety Week, which shines a lighton safety in the sector,
is led by the Farm Safety Foundation.
