Facts About Health and Safety in Farming

The fatal injury rate in agriculture (which includes horticulture, forestry and other related industries) for 2007/08 was 9.7 fatalities per 100,000 workers. This is the highest of any industrial sector. In mainstream agriculture the area for particular concern is the self-employed where the majority of accidents occur. 

 

In the 10 year period from 1997/1998 to 2006/2007 a total of 464 people have been killed as a result of agricultural work activities and many more have been injured or suffered ill health.

 

This means an average of 46 people each year are killed in the industry which is almost 1 death per week. 

 

Of the 464 people killed over the past ten years:

• 145 were employees

• 254 were self employed

• 65 were members of the public, of which

• 26 of these were children under the age of 16 years old

 

The main causes of death to workers continue to be:

• transport (being run over or vehicle overturns) - 24% of fatalities.

• falling from a height (through fragile roofs, trees etc) - 17%.

• struck by moving or falling objects (bales, trees etc) - 15%.

• asphyxiation / drowning - 10%

• livestock related fatalities - 10%

• contact with machinery - 8%

• trapped by something collapsing or overturning - 7%

• contact with electricity - 5%

 

(source: Health and Safety in Agriculture)

 

Farming accidents are a serious threat, with farm tractor accidents and other farm vehicle accidents representing the greatest number of accidents. An increasing number of smallholdings and privately owned farms are contributors to the high levels of industry accidents. 

 

If you have been involved in a farming accident that could have been prevented, talk to a personal injury lawyer or specialist claims management company. They will be able to tell you whether you are eligible to make a claim and could ensure you receive compensation for the injuries sustained.

 

All types of farming accidents can be eligible for compensation - farm tractor accidents, to electrocutions to livestock related accidents. If the incident could have been prevented and the injuries sustained were serious then it is your right to claim compensation. Contact a personal injury claims specialist today to find out how to get your claim under way.

 

Looking for more information? see personal injury claims involving farming