Written by Rick Gregory, Editorial Lead · Legal information checked in collaboration with Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA 800525) · September 2026 · ~5 min read
Quick Summary
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing has the highest rate of fatal workplace injury of any UK industry sector, at roughly five times the rate of construction
- Common causes include vehicle and machinery accidents, falls from height, and incidents involving livestock
- Farm employers and contractors owe the same fundamental health and safety duties as any other employer, including risk assessment, safe equipment, and adequate training
- Family-run and small farms are not exempt from these duties simply because of their size or informal structure
Why is farming considered such a high-risk industry?
Agriculture, forestry and fishing continues to record the highest rate of fatal injury of any UK industry sector, with a fatal injury rate around five times higher than construction and well above the all-industry average, according to the Health and Safety Executive's most recent figures. The sector combines heavy machinery, large vehicles, livestock, and often physically demanding work carried out by a relatively small, sometimes ageing, workforce — all contributing to consistently high injury and fatality rates.
What are the most common causes of farming accidents?
- Vehicles and machinery — including tractors, quad bikes, and other agricultural vehicles, remain a leading cause of serious and fatal farm accidents, including overturning incidents
- Falls from height — from ladders, roofs (particularly fragile roofing on farm buildings), and elevated platforms
- Livestock-related incidents — being struck, trampled, or crushed by animals, particularly cattle
- Machinery entanglement — from unguarded power take-off shafts, augers, and other moving farm machinery
- Falling objects — including bales, stacked materials, or loads shifting during transport or storage
What legal duties do farm employers have?
Farms and agricultural businesses are subject to the same core health and safety framework as any other UK employer — including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (requiring proper risk assessment), and PUWER 1998 for machinery and equipment. See our guides on risk assessment duties and PUWER and work equipment for the underlying legal requirements, both of which apply fully to agricultural settings.
Does it matter that my employer is a small, family-run farm?
No — the size or informal structure of a farming business doesn't reduce its legal health and safety duties. Small and family-run farms are required to meet the same fundamental standards as any larger employer, including assessing risks from machinery, vehicles, and livestock, and taking reasonably practicable steps to address them.
I'm a contractor or seasonal worker on a farm — can I still claim?
In most cases, yes. Contractors, seasonal, and casual agricultural workers are generally owed a duty of care by whoever controls the specific work and conditions they're carrying out, even without a formal permanent employment relationship — this is assessed on the specific facts of your working arrangement.
What if I was injured by an animal?
Livestock-related injuries are a recognised and serious risk in agriculture. Employers are expected to properly assess risks from handling or working near animals — including appropriate handling facilities, training, and safe systems of work — particularly around animals known to be more prone to aggressive or unpredictable behaviour, such as bulls or cows with calves.
What evidence supports a farming accident claim?
- Details of the machinery, vehicle, or animal involved in your accident
- Photographs of the site, equipment, or hazard
- Any risk assessment covering the task, or evidence that none existed
- Training records for the equipment or task involved
- Medical records documenting your injury and treatment
- Witness accounts, where others were present
Was my accident reportable under RIDDOR?
Many serious farming accidents — including fatalities, certain fractures, and incidents requiring hospital treatment — are reportable to the HSE under RIDDOR. See our guide on RIDDOR explained for the specific reporting requirements, though a claim doesn't depend on whether the accident was formally reported.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I was injured by my own family's farm business?
Potentially, yes — the employer's duty of care applies regardless of family relationships, though your solicitor will need to establish the correct insurance and liability position for your specific circumstances.
Does the high inherent risk of farming mean I can't claim for an accident?
No — the inherent risks of agricultural work are exactly why the specific health and safety duties around machinery, vehicles, and livestock exist. An accident isn't simply an accepted cost of farm work if it resulted from a failure to meet those duties.
What if the machinery involved was old or hadn't been serviced recently?
This is significant evidence — a lack of proper maintenance or inspection can indicate a broader failure to keep equipment safe, which is directly relevant to establishing liability.
Injured in a farming or agricultural accident?
A specialist solicitor can assess your specific circumstances and what your claim may be worth.
Or call 01228 272395 to speak to Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA number: 800525). No upfront cost and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.