Spike in farm deaths prompts urgent safety call
© Tim Scrivener Farmers are being urged to take extra care this autumn and prioritise safety following a disturbing rise in farm fatalities – with 17 lives already lost on GB farms in just under six months.
Two workers were killed on consecutive days this month in separate machinery-related incidents.
On 9 September, a farmworker died in Stratford-on-Avon after being crushed when a raised trailer collapsed. The following day in Wiltshire, another worker was killed by a falling topper.
Both incidents are under investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but they bring the total number of farm-related deaths since 1 April to 17.
At this rate, the industry is on course to surpass last year’s 27 fatalities, which included four members of the public.
See also: Long hours and stress fuel farm safety crisis, survey shows
Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), said: “On average, two lives are lost on farms every three weeks.
“Tragically, we saw a further two deaths just last week. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those mourning the loss of loved ones.
“These are not mere statistics – they represent real people, families, friends, and colleagues deeply affected by these tragedies.”
Fatigue and labour shortages
She warned that fatigue, labour shortages, and growing financial pressures are all likely to be contributing to increased risks as farmers head into the demanding autumn drilling season.
“People are tired after harvest, and now moving straight into autumn work. That tiredness has a part to play,” said Ms Hewitt, who is also a Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) board member.
“We are seeing incidents involving machinery, falls from height, and people being trapped underneath vehicles.
“It’s the usual dangers – but still happening too often.”
Among this year’s fatalities, three workers were killed while trapped under machinery, two fell through roofs, and two were killed by falling bales.
There is no geographical pattern – accidents have occurred across the country.
NFU deputy president David Exwood, who also chairs the FSP, said the pressures of workload, poor weather, and tight margins are taking their toll.
“The industry is not in a great place at the moment. We’re seeing a real spike in fatalities, and no single cause. Sadly, people have found a variety of ways to kill themselves.”
Mr Exwood added that fear of another wet autumn – like 2024 – is pushing some farmers to cut corners.
“There’s real pressure to get work done. We understand that, but it must not come at the cost of lives.
“Don’t take risks. Don’t be number 18.”
Ms Hewitt stressed the need for collective responsibility and cultural change.
“We must teach the next generation of farmers to prioritise safety, but it is so difficult when social media is flooded with downright dangerous videos.
“These are not accidents we can afford to accept as part of the job. We must do better.”
Young farmer training
Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), said:
“Despite the promising response to new safety initiatives, the industry has once again been marred by a tragic toll of fatal injuries since 1 April.
“Our return to land-based colleges and universities across the UK to deliver our farm safety training, alongside new sessions developed for the Young Farmers’ Clubs network, has underscored a real appetite for change.
“More than 300 applications for our fully funded ATV training bursary with Lantra launched as part of Farm Safety Week has also shown that workers do want to upskill and work more safely.
“Yet the continuing loss of life on our farms is a sobering reminder that progress cannot come quickly enough.”
NAAC Safety Campaign: ‘I am Vital to UK agriculture’
© NAAC
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has launched a safety campaign urging farmers and farmworkers to take simple steps to stay alive – starting with a visual reminder.
At the heart of the campaign, called I am vital to UK agriculture – Stay safe!, is a sticker to be displayed in tractors and machinery cabs, reminding operators to stay safe every day.
Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive, said: “Health and safety doesn’t have to be complicated. But we’ve got too many people dying on farms – we don’t want anyone to be number 18.”
Agriculture continues to have the worst rate of workplace fatalities across all industries.
Fatalities are often linked to the same causes: machinery entanglement, ATV rollovers, falls from height, livestock handling, and falling objects like bales.
The campaign encourages practical action:
- Always wear a helmet on quad bikes
- When operating machinery, use the “Safe Stop” procedure: Engage handbrake, controls in neutral, switch off engine and remove key
- Guard and maintain all machinery
- Watch out for overhead powerlines (OHPLs)
- Use trained contractors and communicate hazards
According to the HSE, older workers (45+) account for the majority of farm deaths – and two children are killed each year, on average. The NAAC says changing attitudes is essential.
“Tiredness and pressure are real – but they must not be excuses,” said Ms Hewitt. “Use the sticker. Talk about safety. Act to protect lives.”
