Farm Accidents

Updated: November 23, 2025

Reviewed by: Joe Johnson

Updated: November 23, 2025

Reviewed by: Joe Johnson

Accident at Work Lawyer

Joe is an Accident at Work Lawyer from one of our panel law firms.

A farm can be a dangerous place, and with this comes a huge risk of farm accidents. Livestock, machinery, and frequent exposure to chemicals and dust can cause major farming accidents, which can lead to serious injuries.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, farming is a hazardous industry, with almost one person a week killed while doing agricultural work during the last ten years.

Farming Safety

Working on a farm can be hazardous, but many risks can be reduced by following proper safety practices. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that farms implement regular safety checks, maintain machinery, provide proper training, and ensure workers use appropriate protective equipment. Simple steps like clear signage, safe handling of livestock, and secure storage of chemicals can also make a big difference. By following these guidelines, farmers can create a safer working environment and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Health and safety on farms

It is your employer’s responsibility to keep you as safe as possible at work. They should be doing everything they can to help you avoid injuries. This includes conducting proper training and making sure equipment is safe to use. On a farm, this is even more important, as there are a lot of things that can cause an injury.

Your employer must make sure that the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) are met, and they do so by conducting risk assessments to ensure that everyone is kept safe.

Agricultural employers must make sure that they do everything possible to avoid staff having farm related injuries whilst at work.

If you have a farming accident and have to take time off work, you should get agricultural sick pay. This means that you should be paid at least the agricultural minimum wage whilst you are off.

This is, however, likely to be less than your usual wage. This will be taken into consideration when you are making a claim.

If you are self-employed, you may still be able to make a farm accident claim. Farm workers are often self- employed on a contractor basis, so, importantly, there is still usually a company that they are working for. If the business you are working for fails in their duty to keep you safe, then they may be responsible for your farm accident.

Farm risk assessment

An agricultural risk assessment is essential for identifying and managing potential hazards on a farm. It involves evaluating tasks, equipment, and working conditions to ensure the safety of workers and anyone on the premises. By conducting thorough risk assessments, farmers can prevent accidents, comply with health and safety regulations, and create a safer working environment. Regular updates and reviews of the assessment are important, especially when introducing new machinery or changing work practices. HSE recommends every farm completes an agricultural risk assessment to reduce workplace injuries.

Most common farm accidents

Machinery

A large portion of farming accidents come about through mismanagement of large and heavy machinery, such as tractors and forklift trucks.

Dangerous livestock

Farm injuries can occur through mishandling of difficult livestock.

Chemicals and toxic substances

Chemicals and toxic substances used on farms, such as pesticides and fertilisers, can cause serious injury if not handled properly, leading to health issues like burns, respiratory problems, or long-term illness.

Asbestos, dust, and debris

Asbestos, dust, and debris on farms can pose significant health risks, including respiratory diseases and long-term lung damage, particularly when inhaled over extended periods without proper protection.

Extreme noise

Extreme noise on farms, from machinery or equipment, can lead to hearing loss or permanent damage if proper hearing protection isn’t used regularly.

Slips trips and falls

Slips, trips, and falls on farms are common hazards, often caused by uneven ground, wet surfaces, or cluttered walkways, leading to injuries that could easily be prevented with proper maintenance.

Falling from height

Falling from height is a risk on farms, often occurring when working on ladders, roofs, or machinery, and can result in serious injuries. Using appropriate safety equipment and following safe working practices can help prevent these accidents.

Manual handling

Manual handling on farms, such as lifting heavy loads or moving equipment, can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if not done correctly. Proper training, using mechanical aids, and following safe lifting techniques can reduce the risk of injury.

Vehicle collisions

Vehicle collisions on farms, involving tractors, forklifts, or other machinery, are a major safety risk. Ensuring vehicles are well-maintained, operators are trained, and safety protocols are followed can help prevent serious accidents.

Enclosed spaces

Working in enclosed spaces on farms poses significant risks, including suffocation, toxic gas exposure, and entrapment. Proper ventilation, regular safety checks, and training on emergency procedures are essential to mitigate these dangers.

Respiratory diseases

Farmworkers may be at risk of developing respiratory diseases due to exposure to harmful substances such as dust, mould, and chemical fumes. Implementing effective ventilation, using protective equipment, and conducting regular health assessments can help reduce these risks and promote respiratory health.

Cancer

Farmworkers may be at an increased risk of developing cancer due to prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals, pesticides, and other carcinogenic substances commonly found in agricultural environments. Implementing safety measures, such as using protective gear and following proper handling procedures, can help mitigate these risks.

Vibration white finger

According to HSE Vibration white finger is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to vibrating tools and machinery, commonly experienced by farmworkers who use handheld equipment like chainsaws and drills. This condition can lead to reduced blood circulation, numbness, and pain in the fingers, highlighting the importance of using vibration-reducing equipment and taking regular breaks to minimise exposure.

Electricity

Electricity poses a significant risk on farms, as improper handling of electrical equipment or installations can lead to severe injuries or fatalities from electric shocks or fires. Ensuring that all electrical systems are well-maintained, properly grounded, and regularly inspected is crucial for preventing accidents and protecting farm workers.

Farm Accidents as A Visitor/guest

As well as the staff at a farm, members of the public can also have farming injuries. The most common type of farming accidents that visitors experience include slips, trips, and falls, and collisions with vehicles.

The owners of the farm have a responsibility to keep the public safe from accidents as well as their staff.

How we can help

Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who specialise in dealing with farm injury claims. This includes accidents at work, and accidents in public or private places. This means that they are well placed to help you get the compensation you may be entitled to. Call us today on 01614138765 to speak to our friendly helpful advisors or contact us and we will call you back.