The most dangerous occupation in the UK is agriculture. In 2022/23, 27 people were killed as a result of farming and agricultural related activities.  This is down compared to the 5 year average of 31.  There were many more serious injuries.

This is the highest rate of worker fatal injury per 100,000 workers of all the main industry sectors. It is extraordinary that the annual average injury rate over the last 5 years is approximately 21 times that of the average across all industries.

The most common cause of death, over the last 5 year period, was being struck by a moving vehicle. During 2022/23 however, the most common cause was being injured by an animal which accounted for 8 lives, 4 people were killed falling from height, typically repairing a roof, 4 were struck by an object, 3 were struck by a moving vehicle, 3 as a result of contact with machinery while several were unspecified.

Farm workers can sometimes be reluctant to bring claims even where the injuries are serious and life changing.  This is because they typically live in close knit rural communities  and have often worked for years with the  farm owner whom they like and respect.

There is a sense that bringing a claim in these circumstances would be disloyal and frowned upon by other local folk who are used to overcoming illness and injury and who tend to shrug off physical challenges. Agriculture is full of tough, energetic people who face down tough and challenging working conditions daily. “Getting on with it” is part and parcel of daily life.

Many injured agri-workers are probably never compensated when they are injured at work when it is not their fault. Why does agriculture remain the most dangerous industry in the UK? If many claims are not made this arguably encourages more accidents by undermining the importance of health and safety. Does it have to be like this? Is this right? 

Following an accident, it seems to me that a friendly discussion should take place between the farmer and the injured employee. One in which it is emphasised that there is no need for a claim to be made with bad feeling and recrimination. As employers, farmers are insured for such eventualities. It is why they pay their annual premiums. All that needs to happen is that an employee notifies the farmer of a claim; the farmer then passes the claim onto his insurers. Job done. The insurers, who handle this sort of thing many times each day, simply process the claim. 

If damages are not claimed the money will simply sit in the bank of the insurance company when it should be spent helping to rebuild the life of a loyal, hard-working employee. We are always willing to have a free, confidential discussion with anyone working within the agricultural industry, on a farm or with machinery who would like more information.

It is always much better to know where you stand. Ring us anytime on 0800 024 1400.