Farmers urged to think twice after high injury and death rates

RURAL risk specialists are urging West Midlands farmers to “stop and think twice” following a surge in agricultural deaths – and issued a stark warning for those who are failing to protect their most important asset.

Figures published by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that 41 people were killed as a result of farming and other agriculturerelated activities in 2020/21 in the UK – almost double the number of deaths in the previous year.

Five of the deaths took place in the West Midlands – including an 86-year-old farmer, who was the oldest person killed this year.

While the number of people killed fluctuates each year, the five most common causes of fatal injuries over the last five years remain – being struck by moving vehicles, killed by an animal, struck by an object, falling from height and contact with moving machinery.

“Fatal injury rates in agriculture remain notoriously high, earning it the unenviable reputation as the riskiest industry sector,” said Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services.

“Just over one in a hundred personnel work in agriculture, but the sector accounted for one in four fatal injuries to workers this year.

“We know that farmers face a myriad of potential hazards, from contact with machinery and vehicles, chemicals, and livestock, to working at a height, and the demanding, solitary and relentless work associated with agriculture heightens farmers’ exposure to risk.

“But we are seeing the same causes of fatal injury crop up time and time again. A change in attitude to risk will be the driving force in changing this narrative. Of course, some of these deaths will be a result of an unfortunate and unforeseeable accidents. However, by scrupulously carrying out actions, such as following machinery operation safety procedures, handling chemicals in the proper manner, safely checking the robustness of platforms and roofs, careful handling and securing of livestock, and ensuring jobs that require more than one person have sufficient manpower, the risk can be greatly reduced.

“It is important to note that family members working and living at the farm are also put at risk – seven members of the public were killed in 2020/21.

“A split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death, so it is of critical importance that farmers stop, think twice and treat every task with risk management.”