Farmworker killed after tractor overturns in Dorset
© Tim Scrivener A farmworker has died after his tractor overturned on a slope on a farm in Dorset.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating the fatal accident, which happened on 19 June.
Details of the location of the accident or the identity of the deceased have not been released.
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) said on X (formerly Twitter) it was saddened to learn of another farm death involving moving machinery.
See also: NAAC head warns of worker fatigue ahead of busy period
“Another family devastated. Please be safe today,” the NAAC tweeted.
NFU deputy president David Exwood said on X: “I’m sorry to report that another farmer died last week when their tractor overturned. A personal tragedy, not just a statistic.”
An NFU spokesperson said: “The NFU and the wider farming community are saddened to hear of this incident.
“One accident on farm is one too many and we are working with our members to ensure they stay safe while carrying out the important job of producing food for our tables.”
At the start of May, the Farm Safety Partnership raised serious concerns over the decision by the HSE to halt farm safety inspections, fearing the decision will pose significant risks to the health and safety of agricultural workers.
Moving vehicles have been responsible for 30% of all fatalities on UK farms over the past five years, with 48 deaths attributed to this by the HSE.
The NFU is hosting a pre-harvest safety event for members in Dorset from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday 3 July at Warren Hill Farm, Warren Road, Puddletown DT2 7UH. Farmer-members who wish to attend must first register online.
NFU health and safety events are taking place in multiple locations. For more information and to register, visit nfuonline.com.