51AVÊÓÆµ

Jump in farm deaths in first quarter

Two members of the public were also killed on farm from April to June 2023

Alex Black
Deputy Editor
clock • 2 min read
Jump in farm deaths in first quarter

Twelve people died on farms in the first half of the year with agriculture making up 44 per cent of deaths in the workplace.

Two members of the public were also killed on farm from April to June 2023.

Causes of death included coming into contact with electricity, being struck by a moving vehicle, cattle and being trapped by something collapsing.

See also: Man dies following tractor collision

The number of deaths was more than half the amount of people killed in the 12 months from April 2022 to March 2023, which stood at 21.

Tom McNeill, partner at law firm BCL Solicitors said it was a ‘particularly severe quarter' for UK agriculture.

51AVÊÓÆµdeaths

"This, sadly, reflects an ongoing trend in the sector for having the highest fatal accident rate compared to other industries.

"These latest statistics are a cause for concern for employees as well as farm business owners," he said.

He added farms, like other businesses, needed to meet their health and safety duties.

"Unlimited fines, and imprisonment for individuals, may follow for those who do not. What sets agriculture apart from many other industries is that over half of farms are sole traders and often business owners and managers are involved in day-to-day operations," he said.

"Following a fatal accident this means an increased risk for farmers of being prosecuted for manslaughter; and for farms that are operated through a corporate entity an increased risk of corporate manslaughter."

Ìý

For individuals, a manslaughter conviction would likely mean a significant prison sentence but for organisations, corporate manslaughter means higher farms and smaller organisations risk ‘being fined out of existence', Mr McNeill said.

"These risks may have implications for how farmers wish to structure their businesses. Following a fatal accident, it requires a robust defence from the outset.

"A proactive and strategic approach will mitigate the risk of corporate manslaughter, and protect individuals from the risk of prosecution, as well as mitigating health and safety risks for organisations."

More on 51AVÊÓÆµSafety

Death of farmer trampled by cow 'could have been prevented' according to FAI

Death of farmer trampled by cow 'could have been prevented' according to FAI

While sorting cows into groups, the Aberdeenshire farmer was crushed and died in hospital two days later

Mia Willemsen
clock 08 June 2026 • 2 min read
Partner Insight Podcast: The Platinum Ten Minutes - why the moments after a farm accident matter most

Partner Insight Podcast: The Platinum Ten Minutes - why the moments after a farm accident matter most

Prof Stuart Maitland-Knibb explains why the first few minutes after a serious on-farm incident can decide survival, and how RABI's FarmersAid app aims to help people act sooner

RABI
clock 08 June 2026 • 1 min read
51AVÊÓÆµsafety: Tips and tricks for avoiding the dangers of working with cattle

51AVÊÓÆµsafety: Tips and tricks for avoiding the dangers of working with cattle

Farmers cannot afford to take months off work, but many have no choice following an incident with livestock. These can be prevented and Luke Stark, HSQE consultant and owner of EOS HSQE Consultancy shares how

Mia Willemsen
clock 06 June 2026 • 6 min read