Farming accidents

Down on the farm isn’t somewhere that most people would consider to be a dangerous place to work, yet accidents on a farm account for 15% of all workplace fatalities.

There are many different types of accidents that happen on a farm:

Vehicle accidents

Many different vehicles can be found on a farm including tractors, combine harvesters, quad bikes and large 4 wheel drive vehicles. Many farms employ casual labour and sometimes do not train these people properly. When health and safety guidelines are not followed accidents happen as they did here, sadly a young worker was killed. Collisions with animals and vehicles are another common cause of accidents on a farm. Some farms have quad bikes for their workers to use, and also for hire to visitors. Whilst they are fun they are also dangerous if the rider is not trained in how to ride one.

Falls from height

There are occasions when farm workers may have to work from height, for example when moving bales of hay or working on outbuildings. Risk assessments should be done if a farm employee would sometimes be expected to work from a height. Following this all the necessary protective clothing and equipment should be provided, maybe harnesses, in order to prevent an accident happening.

Accidents involving machinery

There are some dangerous pieces of machinery on farms and many people have been injured whilst using them. All machinery should have guards where necessary and workers must receive the correct training on how to use the equipment. Again, protective clothing must be provided where appropriate.

Accidents involving animals

There have been instances where both farm workers and visitors to a farm have had an altercation with large animals such as cattle. It is the responsibility of the farm owner to ensure all livestock are kept in an area where visitors will not be at risk. For farm workers who need to attend to the animals they must be trained in this area.

Working with pesticides and chemicals

As in any workplace all employees should have had full training in using the products. They must be given the correct protective clothing and farm owners need to ensure the products are stored correctly.

If you have suffered an injury whilst either working on or visiting a farm you may be entitled to compensation. Call Precision Claims on 0844 704 1945 or complete the enquiry form and we will call you back.