No Falls Week highlights deadly risks on farms

Farmers are being urged to take extra care when working at height as figures reveal that falls remain among the leading causes of deaths and serious injuries in agriculture.

The warning comes during No Falls Week 2026, a national campaign led by the No Falls Foundation to promote safer working-at-height practices across all industries.

Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive show that 35 workers across Great Britain died in falls from height during 2024-25, making it the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities.

See also: How simple steps can protect and save farm lives and others

HSE data also shows six people in the GB agriculture, forestry and fishing sector died as a result of falls from height across 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Agriculture continues to face challenges, with an ageing workforce and poorly planned maintenance work contributing to fatal incidents.

According to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), 14 people have died following falls on farms in Northern Ireland over the past decade, including two fatalities already this year.

Many incidents happen during routine jobs such as repairing shed roofs, clearing gutters, climbing ladders or working near fragile roof materials.

HSENI deputy chief executive Bryan Monson said accidents happened because farmers underestimated the risks involved in “quick jobs” and failed to plan work properly.

‘Can-do’ culture

Peter Bennett, chairman of the No Falls Foundation, said farming’s high proportion of self-employed workers and a strong “can-do” culture could contribute to risk-taking at height.

“Farmers are problem solvers and often think a job will only take a minute,” he said. “But it only takes a second to fall, and if they do, there’s a chance they may not get back up.”

Mr Bennett said older farmers who had “always done it that way” could also face greater danger as reflexes slowed and injuries became more severe.

“The accidents are invariably preventable,” he said. “Farmers need to stop, take a moment and properly assess the risks rather than improvising.

“You don’t have to do everything yourself. Roof work and more complex tasks may be better left to professionals.”

The campaign, running from 18-22 May, encourages farms and businesses to review safety procedures, inspect equipment and ensure workers are trained and competent.