Agricultural Injuries on the Rise

Farms and other agricultural businesses across the UK need to take better precautions to prevent workers suffering injuries following accidents at work. New figures for the number of workers who were fatally injured in the agriculture sector have been released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and show that Agriculture has one of the worst fatal accident and occupational ill health records of any major employment sector.

Agricultural Injury Statistics

Less than 1.5% of the working population is employed in agriculture yet the sector is responsible for between 15% and 20% of fatalities to workers each year. The industry also has a rate of self-reported illness which is typically higher than the average for all industries.

Agricultural Workers Killed In Accidents At Work

In 2009/10 38 agriculture workers were killed at work and of the 38 agriculture workers killed, 17 were employees and 21 were self-employed. These figures are in stark contrast to 2008/09 when 25 workers died. The rate of fatal injuries in the sector is 8.2 per 100,000 workers, making it the most dangerous industry in which to work.

In a statement HSE’s Head of Agriculture, Graeme Walker said:”..Farming and agricultural work has a poor safety record compared with other industries – we cannot let this trend continue.”

Employer’s Duty Of Care

“Employers owe a duty of care to employees and other visitors to their premises and there is also legislation governing the use of work equipment which forces employers to maintain work equipment in good working order. If an injury is caused due to the failure of equipment, such as farm machinery, the employer may find themselves in receipt of an accident claim made by the person injured in the accident.”

Making A Claim

If you have suffered as a result of a farming accident at work, we may be able to help you claim compensation. Call us for advice on 0333 358 3034 or contact us online.

Jefferies do not accept any liability for the validity of the information in the post above.

Published 29th July 2010.