Over a dozen people killed on farms since April 

Around 13 people have died in farm-related incidents since 1st April – eight of which were linked to transport, the leading cause of farm deaths.

Other causes included livestock, machinery, asphyxiation (slurry pit), falling object, falling from height.

There were five fatality notifications in the past week alone, bringing the number of ATV fatalities in England, Scotland and Wales to five since April.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “It’s devastating to hear of these fatalities. We’ve now lost five members of the farming community in the last six months due to ATVs overturning.

“This is the highest number in nearly 15 years, and we’re only half way through this recording year.

“Each of these people, which heartbreakingly includes two children, will leave behind family and friends, and my thoughts go out to them all.

“Given this escalation in ATV accidents and fatalities, I urge everyone to recognise the risks they present even though they are a vital tool for many farm businesses.

“This year, they are the largest single killer of farm workers by far. Everyone needs to take extra care of themselves and their vehicles when out and about doing jobs around the farm.

“An easy way to do this is to ensure anyone using an ATV is wearing a helmet – they really can save lives.

“At the NFU, we are continuing to work closely with the Farm Safety Partnership and the devolved nations to speak with one voice so we can turn the tide on farm safety. Because everyone has the right to come home safe.”

The latest HSE figures show that 27 people lost their lives in the year to March 2024 in England, Scotland and Wales. 

Transport was the leading cause, with nine deaths relating to agricultural vehicles or machinery, runover incidents, rollover incidents and crush incidents.

HSE offers the following advice for preventing overturns:

• With few exceptions, agricultural tractors and other machinery must be fitted with a suitable safety cab or roll bar (roll over-protective structure (ROPS)). A seat or lap belt should be fitted and used
• Farm machinery and equipment should be well maintained and only be driven by trained, competent and authorised people
• Vehicle overturns can happen in many situations, not just on slopes
• Drivers must know safe driving techniques to avoid overturns
• Consider differences between vehicles and how attachments and load can change the handling characteristics. Always use safe systems of work when working on or near slopes
• Work on sloping ground, and access routes to follow between work sites, must be planned, and altered if necessary if conditions change (e.g. rain reduces traction). 

For preventing runover incidents:

• Ensure that anyone who operates farm vehicles is properly trained, competent and authorised
• Maintain the vehicle so it remains in good working condition. Check that brakes, including the hand brake, work properly
• Plan work on sloping ground. Use safe driving techniques and the right equipment
• With few exceptions, agricultural tractors and other machinery must be fitted with a suitable safety cab or roll bar (roll over-protective structure (ROPS)). A seat or lap belt should be fitted and used
• Follow the ‘Safe Stop’ procedure every time you leave the driver’s seat/operating position
• Ensure that you are medically fit to operate and drive farm vehicles. 

To use an ATV safely it is essential that: 

• The driver is properly trained 
• The driver wears a helmet 
• The ATV is well maintained and routinely checked (especially tyre pressures, brakes and throttle) 
• Routes are properly planned, and if possible, new routes are walked, and hazards are identified, before the route is ridden 
• The appropriate gear ratio / 2WD / 4WD is selected for the terrain being driven on. 

Read more farm safety news.