Farm deaths hit new high

02 July 1997

Farm deaths hit new high

The number of people killed on farms rose 40% last year to hit a six-year high. Some 63 people were killed on farms in the year ending April, with this figure including 8 children and 20 farm workers. There were 45 killed the previous year.

The biggest rise was among self-employed farmers. Deaths caused by falling was the most frequent cause, with 12 recorded last year. Other major causes were being trapped by something collapsing or overturning, and being hit by a vehicle. Five people drowned or were asphyxiated.