Farming’s hidden dangers: reducing risk and preventing claims

The farming and agriculture industry is fundamental to everyday life. Farmers supply essential produce such as milk, eggs, and meat—items many of us rely on daily. However, what is less widely recognised are the inherent dangers associated with farming. These risks can result in serious injury or death and may give rise to compensation claims by farm workers.

How risky is farmwork?

Between 2019 and 2024, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported approximately 8,000 non-fatal injuries among farm employees. In 2022/2023, agriculture recorded the highest rate of fatal injuries per 100,000 workers of any industry.

In 2025, the UK Government published findings highlighting that farmers are at a significantly higher risk of mental ill health and suicide. Contributing factors include long working hours, the challenges of living and working in the same environment, and family pressures. A 2018 Fit2Farm survey found that almost half of respondents took regular days off only once or twice a year. These pressures are further exacerbated by rising costs linked to global events, such as conflict in the Middle East, as well as environmental factors including droughts and flooding.

Continuity necessitates consistency

Farming is often a generational profession, with practices and working methods passed down through families. While this continuity has many benefits, it can also lead to complacency. Individuals who have grown up working with machinery and animals may underestimate the risks involved, increasing the likelihood of accidents and, in some cases, fatalities. Such incidents may result in compensation claims or a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI). An FAI is a court process aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding a death and identifying what, if anything, could have been done to prevent it.

There is currently an ongoing FAI into the deaths of six men who fell from height on farms across Scotland. It is hoped that this inquiry will raise awareness of the risks associated with working at height, which the HSE identifies as a leading cause of fatal accidents in agriculture. Common contributing factors include inadequate safety precautions, improper equipment, and failure to use available safety measures correctly.

The deaths under investigation involve:

• A 71-year-old man who fell through a grain store skylight in 2024
• A 62-year-old man who fell through the roof of a cow shed in 2020
• A 60-year-old man who fell while working alone in a barn in 2023
• A 75-year-old man who fell through the roof of a sheep shed in 2023
• A 36-year-old man who fell through a cattle shed skylight in 2023
• A 74-year-old man who fell through a cow shed roof in 2024

It is therefore essential that farmers understand and comply with their legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. These duties include providing a safe working environment, ensuring appropriate rest breaks, and preventing discrimination.

Eight practical steps to reduce risk for farm workers

To reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities, farmers can take several practical steps:

1. Conduct regular safety inspections of the farm and equipment to identify potential hazards
2. Develop and implement a clear safety plan, including emergency procedures, and ensure all workers are familiar with it
3. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, ear protection, safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing
4. Introduce comprehensive training programmes covering animal handling, manual handling and the safe operation of machinery
5. Maintain a clean and organised working environment to minimise risks
6. Exercise additional caution during extreme weather conditions
7. Carry out risk assessments for all tasks and establish safe systems of work, ensuring employees are fully informed
8. Keep accurate records, including accident reports, training logs, and maintenance documentation for all equipment

By taking these steps and adhering to their legal responsibilities, farmers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and fatalities. In turn, this can also help to prevent and defend potential claims.

How we can help

Obtaining appropriate legal advice is crucial when responding to compensation claims, whether arising from workplace injuries or fatalities. Anderson Strathern has the expertise to advise on all aspects of health and safety compliance, defend compensation claims, and has a dedicated inquiries team to provide representation at Fatal Accident Inquiries. Contact Marisa Shaw if you would like our assistance with anything relating to this topic.