Agriculture has one of the worst safety records of any UK industry. Farming causes around 30-40 deaths per year - about 20 times the average all-industry fatal injury rate. Most fatalities involve transport/machinery, livestock, or falls. The combination of heavy machinery, unpredictable animals, varied terrain, and lone working creates an exceptionally hazardous environment.
This guide covers key health and safety requirements for UK farms and agricultural businesses.
The Scale of the Problem
Agriculture accounts for approximately 1% of UK workers but around 20% of workplace fatalities. The main causes:
- Transport/machinery - tractors overturning, being struck by vehicles, PTO entanglement
- Livestock - cattle attacks, crush injuries
- Falls - from heights on farm buildings, into slurry pits
- Asphyxiation - grain engulfment, slurry gases
Many victims are experienced farmers. Familiarity with risks doesn't prevent them.
The Legal Framework
Agricultural businesses must comply with:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 - Foundation duties to protect workers and others.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) - Equipment safety, guarding, maintenance.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 - Pesticides, veterinary medicines, dusts.
Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 - Specific requirements for pesticide use.
Self-employed: Since 2015, self-employed farmers without employees still have duties if their work could affect others' safety.
Transport and Machinery
Vehicles and machinery cause more agricultural deaths than any other single category.
Tractors
Overturning - the most common fatal accident:
- Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) save lives
- Seatbelts must be worn with ROPS
- Avoid steep slopes and unstable ground
- Reduce speed on slopes and near ditches
- Match equipment to terrain
Run-overs:
- Safe stop procedure before dismounting
- Never start from ground level without being in driving seat
- Keep bystanders clear
- Maintain effective brakes
Power Take-Off (PTO)
PTO entanglement causes severe injuries and deaths:
- Guards must be in place
- Never step over running PTO
- Tuck in loose clothing
- Keep guards maintained
- Stop PTO before clearing blockages
Machinery Guarding
All dangerous parts must be guarded:
- Fixed guards for constant hazards
- Interlocked guards where access needed
- Guards maintained in position
- Never remove or bypass guards
ATVs and UTVs
All-terrain vehicles cause numerous injuries:
- Appropriate training for riders
- Helmets recommended
- No passengers unless designed for them
- Don't exceed payload capacity
- Appropriate for the terrain
Livestock Handling
Cattle cause multiple deaths annually. Even normally docile animals can be dangerous.
Risk Factors
- Cows with calves (maternal aggression)
- Bulls (always potentially dangerous)
- Animals in unfamiliar situations (stress)
- Handling in confined spaces
- Animals in pain or fear
Safe Handling
Facilities:
- Properly designed handling systems
- Crush/race for veterinary and management tasks
- Secure pens and gates
- Escape routes for handlers
Working with cattle:
- Never trust bulls - always use appropriate restraint
- Extra care with cows and calves
- Maintain escape routes
- Don't work alone with dangerous animals
- Understand animal behaviour
Public access:
- Assess risk where public rights of way cross livestock fields
- Consider separating cows with calves from walkers
- Alternative routes during high-risk periods
Other Livestock
- Sheep handling - manual handling injuries, disease transmission
- Pigs - can be aggressive, especially sows with litters
- Horses - handling and riding injuries
Falls from Height
Falls cause deaths and serious injuries on farms.
Common Situations
- Falls from farm buildings (roofs, upper floors)
- Falls from vehicles and machinery
- Falls into pits and tanks
- Falls from ladders and platforms
Controls
- Avoid working at height where possible
- Use proper access equipment (platforms, scaffolds)
- Edge protection on work platforms
- Cover or fence openings
- Maintain ladders in good condition
- Fragile roof materials - assume they won't support weight
Slurry and Confined Spaces
Slurry pits and tanks create asphyxiation and drowning risks.
Toxic Gases
Slurry produces hydrogen sulphide and other gases:
- Particularly dangerous during agitation
- Can cause rapid unconsciousness and death
- Multiple casualties when rescuers enter
Controls
- Never enter slurry stores without proper precautions
- Maximise ventilation during agitation
- Keep people and animals away during agitation
- Never attempt rescue without breathing apparatus
- Emergency procedures and equipment
Silos and Grain Stores
- Grain engulfment - flowing grain buries people quickly
- Toxic atmospheres in fermented materials
- Never enter flowing grain
- Lock out augers and conveyors before entry
- Proper confined space procedures
Multiple Slurry Fatalities
A farmer entered a slurry pit to retrieve equipment. He collapsed almost immediately from hydrogen sulphide exposure. His son entered to rescue him and also collapsed. A third family member called emergency services rather than entering.
Both the farmer and his son died. The third family member survived by not entering the pit. Investigation found no breathing apparatus on the farm and no formal procedures for pit entry.
- •Slurry gas can cause unconsciousness in seconds
- •Never attempt rescue without breathing apparatus
- •Multiple deaths occur when rescuers enter without protection
- •Calling for help is often the right decision
Chemical Safety (COSHH)
Farms use numerous hazardous substances.
Pesticides
- Must hold appropriate certificate for application
- Follow label instructions exactly
- Use specified PPE
- Maintain sprayer equipment
- Keep records of applications
- Safe storage and disposal
Veterinary Medicines
- Follow prescriber's instructions
- Appropriate handling and PPE
- Observe withdrawal periods
- Safe disposal of unused medicines and sharps
Other Hazards
- Dusts (grain, hay) - respiratory sensitisation
- Fuels and oils - fire risk, skin effects
- Fertilisers - safe storage and handling
Zoonoses
Diseases transmissible from animals to humans are an occupational hazard in farming.
Common Risks
- Leptospirosis (from rat urine)
- E. coli O157 (from cattle)
- Orf (from sheep)
- Ringworm (from cattle)
- Q fever (from sheep, cattle)
Controls
- Good hygiene (handwashing before eating)
- Cover cuts and abrasions
- PPE where appropriate
- Know symptoms and seek early treatment
- Inform healthcare providers of farming work
Electricity
Overhead power lines and farm electrical systems create hazards.
Overhead Lines
- Maintain safe distances with machinery
- Use goal posts as height reminders
- Know safe approach distances
- Report strikes immediately
Farm Electrical Systems
- Regular inspection and testing
- Appropriate protection for wet environments
- Temporary supplies for field operations
- Qualified electrician for repairs
Children on Farms
Children face particular risks on farms.
Key Principles
- Children are not small adults - they don't recognise hazards
- Supervision must be appropriate to age and activity
- Never allow children as passengers on tractors without proper seating
- Keep children away from livestock, machinery, and storage areas
- Age-appropriate tasks only
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since 2015, self-employed farmers have duties under health and safety law if their activities could affect others - including family members, contractors, and visitors. You should assess risks and manage them appropriately.
ROPS are required on most tractors manufactured after certain dates, and all employees must use tractors with ROPS. Older tractors may be exempt but fitting ROPS is strongly recommended - they save lives. Seatbelts must be worn when ROPS are fitted.
Yes. Anyone applying pesticides professionally needs appropriate certification. Different levels cover different activities. Training is available through agricultural colleges and training providers. Using pesticides without certification is illegal.
Children can help with age-appropriate tasks under proper supervision. However, they must be kept away from machinery, livestock, and hazardous areas. Driving tractors and operating machinery has age restrictions. The priority is their safety.
Do NOT enter without breathing apparatus - multiple deaths occur when rescuers are overcome. Call emergency services immediately. If you have breathing apparatus AND training, a rescue may be possible. Without proper equipment, entering is likely to create additional casualties.
Summary
Farm safety requires managing some of the most dangerous workplace hazards:
- Transport and machinery - the biggest killer, requiring ROPS, guards, and safe procedures
- Livestock - respect for animal behaviour and proper handling facilities
- Falls - avoiding work at height, proper access equipment
- Confined spaces - never entering without proper precautions
- Chemicals - proper training, PPE, and procedures
Farming culture sometimes accepts risks that wouldn't be tolerated in other industries. Changing this requires conscious effort - many farm deaths are preventable with proper precautions.
Related content
Topics:
- Machinery Safety - Equipment safety requirements
- COSHH - Hazardous substances control
- Working at Height - Fall prevention guidance
Articles:
Related sectors:
- Landscapers - Similar outdoor work
- Small Business - General business requirements
Tools:
- Responsibility Checker - Find out what applies to you
*This guidance covers key health and safety requirements for UK farms and agricultural businesses. It is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice.