Farming has long been the backbone of the UK’s economy, providing sustenance and employment across the nation. However, beneath the pastoral imagery lies an industry fraught with risks. The importance of UK farming health and safety cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the well-being of those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.
The Stark Reality of Farming Fatalities
The agricultural sector remains one of the most hazardous industries in the UK. Recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal a concerning trend. Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, there were 27 fatalities in agriculture-related activities. Of these, 23 were farmworkers, with individuals aged over 65 accounting for nearly 40% of these deaths. Additionally, four members of the public lost their lives on farms, including two children.
These figures are alarming, especially considering that agriculture employs less than 1% of the national workforce yet accounts for 20% of all workplace deaths. This disparity underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures within the industry.
Leading Causes of Fatalities in Agriculture
Understanding the primary causes of these tragic incidents is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures. The HSE’s report highlights several recurring factors:
- Transport-related incidents: Nine fatalities were linked to the operation of agricultural vehicles or machinery, including run-over and rollover incidents.
- Livestock-related injuries: Three deaths involved interactions with livestock, notably cattle.
- Machinery-related accidents: Two fatalities resulted from entanglement in machinery and power take-off (PTO) shafts.
- Being struck by objects: Five deaths were due to individuals being struck by falling bales or collapsing objects.
- Falls from height: Two fatalities occurred from falls, including incidents involving fragile roofs and telehandlers.
- Contact with overhead power lines: Two deaths were attributed to contact with live electrical lines.
The Tragic Impact on Children
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching aspect of farm-related fatalities is the involvement of children. The youngest victim in the recent statistics was a farmer’s three-year-old child. Over the past five years, children under 13 accounted for 10.5% of agricultural fatalities in Wales alone.
A recent incident underscores this tragic reality: a young boy ran into a field and was accidentally run over by a tractor. Such incidents highlight the critical need for stringent safety protocols to protect the most vulnerable.
UK farming health and safety – Legal Framework Protecting Children on Farms
In response to these tragedies, UK legislation has been enacted to safeguard children in agricultural settings:
- Prohibition for Under-13s: It is illegal for children under 13 to drive or ride on agricultural self-propelled machines, including tractors.
- Restrictions for 13 to 16-Year-Olds: Children aged 13 to 16 are permitted to operate low-powered tractors under strict conditions, including appropriate training and supervision. However, they are prohibited from using machines with cutting, splitting, or crushing mechanisms and chemical applicators.
- Passenger Restrictions: Allowing children under 13 to ride in tractor cabs is illegal and unsafe. Even with properly designed and fitted passenger seats equipped with seat belts, the risks remain significant.
Why Farmers Need a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA)
Many farmers do not realise that certain farming activities require compliance with ADR regulations (Accord Dangereux Routier — European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). A Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) ensures farmers comply with legal requirements and manage risks effectively when dealing with hazardous materials. Even when not legally required, many farmers choose to consult a DGSA to improve safety practices.
Here are key reasons why a farm might need a DGSA:
- Transport of Hazardous Substances: Many farms transport fuels (diesel, petrol), fertilisers (e.g., ammonium nitrate-based products), pesticides, chemicals, and compressed gases (oxygen, acetylene for welding or cutting). If these substances exceed ADR quantity thresholds, a DGSA may be legally required.
- Storage of Dangerous Goods: Farms storing fuels or chemicals in bulk may need proper documentation, signage, and safety controls to comply with regulations. Some fertilisers, like ammonium nitrate, present an explosion risk and require special handling.
- Decanting or Dispensing Chemicals: If farmers transfer chemicals from bulk containers into smaller ones, this may require a DGSA due to the spill, leak, and contamination risks involved.
- Waste Management: Many farms generate hazardous waste, such as used oils, chemicals, or empty pesticide containers, which must be stored, transported, and disposed of correctly.
- Emergency Planning: A DGSA ensures that a farm has safety protocols, spill response plans, and training in place to handle dangerous goods safely.
Exemptions: Small quantities below ADR limits may not require a DGSA. However, understanding where these exemptions apply requires professional guidance, which RADCaT Ltd provides.
UK farming health and safety – The Role of RADCaT Ltd in Enhancing Farm Safety
RADCaT Ltd, a family-run compliance consultancy and training company based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, offers tailored services to support farm safety:
- Health & Safety Training: Educating farmworkers on best practices, hazard recognition, and emergency response.
- Risk Assessments: Identifying and mitigating hazards, from machinery use to livestock handling.
- COSHH Compliance: Managing hazardous substances safely to meet Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
- DSEAR Assessments: Ensuring farms comply with Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR), crucial for locations storing flammable substances.
- DGSA Services: Helping farmers stay compliant with ADR regulations, providing expert advice on dangerous goods transportation, storage, and handling.
- HR & Employment Law Support: Navigating complex employment laws and drafting contracts tailored to farm businesses.
Building a Farm Safety Culture
Farming is a unique industry where families live and work together, making safety crucial for everyone. Key actions to build a safety culture include:
- Regular Safety Briefings: Keeping all workers and contractors up to date on risks.
- Clear Signage & Restricted Areas: Preventing children and visitors from entering hazardous zones.
- Emergency Preparedness: Having an action plan for accidents, machinery failures, or spills.
- Encouraging Near-Miss Reporting: Creating a non-punitive system for reporting hazards helps prevent accidents before they happen.
UK farming health and safety – Protecting Lives & Livelihoods
Farming is one of the most rewarding yet dangerous industries in the UK. Every year, too many preventable deaths occur due to lack of awareness, improper training, and unsafe working environments.
By implementing robust safety measures, staying compliant with UK regulations, and investing in proper training, farms can protect their workers, their families, and their businesses.
RADCaT Ltd is committed to supporting the farming community by providing expert training, DGSA services, and compliance consultancy. For more information on how RADCaT Ltd can help improve safety on your farm, contact us today.
Together, we can build a safety culture that saves lives. More reading: HSE.gov.uk
