Protecting those who feed us: Farming’s hidden risks

Hundreds of agricultural workers were injured on farms last year, new figures show.

The Farm Safety Foundation, also known as Yellow Wellies, has highlighted practical steps to prevent injuries after revealing 28 people died on UK farms last year.

Nearly 600 people were injured in farm-related incidents, according to separate figures from the Health and Safety Executive.

The figures were released alongside recommendations to make farms safer, as part of the foundation’s Farm Safety Week.

At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we understand the vital role farmers play in our economy and communities, but also the very real dangers they encounter in one of the UK’s most hazardous industries.

Many of the cases we work on involve injuries from machinery, animals, or vehicles, as well as simple accidents like falls that can have catastrophic consequences.

We see firsthand the devastating impact these accidents can have – not just on injured individuals, but on their families, livelihoods, and futures. Farm Safety Week is not only about raising awareness, but about taking meaningful steps towards prevention, accountability, and support.

Farming injuries in numbers

Agriculture accounts for a disproportionately high number of workplace injuries and fatalities. Just 1% of the working population is involved in farming, but the industry sees 19% of all workplace deaths.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), agriculture has the worst worker fatality rate of all the main industry sectors, with the annual average injury rate over the last five years being about 21 times higher than the all-industry rate.

These incidents often involve:

• Machinery accidents
• Falls from height
• Livestock injuries
• Vehicle rollovers
• Chemical exposure

Many of these incidents are preventable with proper training, maintenance, and safety protocols.

Common causes of farm injuries

In our legal work, we often see cases involving:

• Faulty equipment or machinery due to poor maintenance or outdated safety features;
• Lack of adequate training for seasonal or young workers;
• Unsafe working conditions, including long hours, fatigue, and exposure to harsh weather;
• Negligence by third parties, such as contractors or suppliers.

When these factors result in serious injury, victims may have a legal right to compensation to help cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, and more.

How can farms improve safety?

Farm Safety Week encourages practical changes that make a big difference, such as:

• Conducting regular risk assessments;
• Investing in up-to-date equipment and training;
• Ensuring all staff are properly supervised;
• Promoting a culture where safety is prioritised over speed or convenience.

Safety isn’t just the responsibility of the farm owner – it’s a shared effort involving workers, contractors, suppliers, and regulators.

Legal support

If you or someone you know has been injured while working on a farm, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. While no amount of money can undo an accident, a successful personal injury claim can provide the financial stability and access to care needed during recovery.

If you need advice following a farm-related injury, please contact us for a confidential conversation. We’re here to help.