Pembrokeshire farmworker killed in telehandler tragedy

The UK farming industry has been rocked by another fatality, after a 34-year-old man died in a telehandler incident in Pembrokeshire – the 18th farm-related death since the start of the financial year on 1 April 2025.

The tragedy occurred on Friday 12 September at a property in the Llangwm area, near Haverfordwest.

The man was reportedly being lifted in the bucket of a telehandler when he was injured.

He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.

See also: Spike in farm deaths prompts urgent safety call

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that a 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and released under investigation.

A second man, aged 64, has also been voluntarily interviewed.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the local coroner have been notified, and investigations are ongoing.

The incident has drawn fresh attention to safety standards in the sector, particularly regarding work at height.

Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) and a board member of the Farm Safety Partnership, said the news had “sickened [her] to the core”.

“We are now averaging three deaths a month – 18 since 1 April – and we should all take this personally,” she said.

“We cannot be complacent and must not accept these tragedies as part of the job.”

Ms Hewitt warned that long hours, bad weather and financial pressure may be contributing factors, but should never be used to justify preventable tragedies.

“We cannot be complacent… I make no apologies for asking – begging – everyone to think about safety, talk about safety and not take any unnecessary risks,” she said.

Earlier deaths

This latest death follows two separate machinery-related fatalities earlier this month – one in Stratford-on-Avon and another in Wiltshire. Both are under investigation by the HSE.

Ms Hewitt said the industry must take action to prevent further tragic loss of lives.

“Safety doesn’t need to be costly or onerous, but it does need to be thought about, discussed and actioned,” she said.

“Our industry is already struggling without needless loss of life.”

The NAAC continues to promote its “I am vital to UK agriculture – Stay Safe!” campaign, which provides free safety stickers as visual prompts to help encourage safe behaviour on farms.

“Stickers can’t save lives, but they can prompt discussion,” Ms Hewitt said.

“It’s time for us all to take this seriously – before more lives are lost.”