One farmer killed every fortnight on UK farms

Fourteen people have been killed in fatal incidents on UK farms since April, including nine linked to moving machinery.

Statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show five of the fatalities in England, Scotland and Wales involved all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Two of these deaths involved children.

Other causes of fatal incidents were falls from height, asphyxiation (slurry pit), and people being crushed by cattle, machinery or falling objects.

See also: HSE explores whether new roll bars can reduce quad deaths

The latest farm fatality recorded by the HSE revealed a farmer was crushed between a tractor and feeder on a farm in North Ayrshire on 25 September.

Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), said any farm fatality is a tragedy, which can often be avoided, and always has devastating consequences for all involved. 

“Each of the 14 people who lost their lives on a farm since April is a person and a member of our agricultural community. Their families will be having an awful time. It is just heartbreaking,” she said.

However, many farm incidents could be avoided. Ms Hewitt said the whole farming community must change the culture around its attitude towards farm safety, which is often “too blasé”.

“You mention health and safety and some farmers complain, ‘health and safety has gone mad’ and it’s ‘people interfering in my business,’” she added.

“But it’s not about this at all. It’s about everyone going home safe every night.”

Under pressure

Ms Hewitt said she understands that farmers are under a lot of pressure at the moment, tackling poor weather, volatile prices, agflation and business uncertainty over future farm policy.

But despite knowing the risks, too many farmers are willing to take them.

“It’s the same things over and over again,” she said. “It’s people falling off ATVs not wearing a helmet. It’s people not switching off machines, getting crushed by moving machinery or cattle, or falling through roofs.”

She asked: “Why would anyone ride a quad bike without a helmet, knowing these stats? If it’s unsafe to climb onto a fragile roof, why would you do it, knowing the risks?”

Ms Hewitt said she was saddened to hear comments from within the farming community, arguing it is acceptable for under 13s to ride in tractor cabs. 

“Farms are not playgrounds, they’re workplaces. There are other safe ways we can promote farming to young people,” she added. “If we cannot protect our adult workforce, how can we put our children at risk?” 

NFU view

Farm Safety Partnership chairman and NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “Every farm fatality is a personal tragedy and this just shows we really need to change the culture around farm safety.

“We are seeing a large amount of appetite for farm safety training sessions, but it is not widespread enough yet.”

Mr Exwood said quad bikes are a “vital tool” on farms, but when used unsafely and without the user wearing a helmet they are also a “dangerous tool”. 

“Helmets are really affordable, and I don’t see any reason why one should not be supplied with the sale of every quad bike,” he added.

Mr Exwood said a mixture of more training and more awareness around quad bike safety, helmet wearing, and roll bars and cages added to machines can help to reduce serious injuries and fatalities from quad bike use.