Suffolk farmer killed in grain silo incident
© Adobe Stock A farmer has died after an incident involving a grain silo in Suffolk, according to a statement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The death, which happened on 2 March 2026, has been treated as work-related, though this remains subject to further assessment.
Early reports indicate the farmer fell into a grain silo and was asphyxiated.
This brings the total number of agricultural fatalities in Great Britain to 30 over the past 11 months.
See also: New safety campaign urges farmers to ‘Stay Safe’
National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) chief executive Jill Hewitt said:
“This is a real tragedy for the friend and family involved. We send them our sincere condolences.
“People are busy and finances are tight. It’s about how we can try and improve farming’s poor safety record going forward.
“We have got to get everybody in farming to think more about safety and make sure it is integrated in our day-to-day work.”
She urged farmers to pause, assess risks and prioritise safety – particularly during busy periods – to prevent further loss of life.
Grain silos are recognised as high-risk confined spaces. They can contain low oxygen levels or harmful gases capable of causing asphyxiation.
There are also serious dangers from free-flowing or collapsing grain, which can engulf a person in seconds.
Long-standing safety challenges
The farming industry continues to face long-standing safety challenges, particularly around confined spaces such as silos, slurry stores and feed bins.
Regulators and industry bodies have repeatedly warned that many of these incidents are preventable with proper planning, training and risk assessment.
The HSE has published guidance including Managing confined spaces on farms (AIS26) and advice under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, aimed at reducing the risk of incidents like this.
Working safely with grain silos and confined spaces
Key HSE safety messages for farmers, contractors and workers:
- Avoid entry wherever possible. Carry out work from outside the confined space if it can be done safely
- Seek competent advice. If entry is unavoidable, consult specialists and consider using contractors trained in confined spaces work
- Plan and assess thoroughly. Any confined space entry must be carefully risk assessed, properly planned and organised
- Never enter without training and equipment. Do not enter a grain silo or other confined space unless you are trained, competent and properly equipped