Farming Remains Britain's Most Dangerous Job

Strategic Insights -

Farming has again been confirmed as Britain's most dangerous job, accounting for 20% of workplace fatalities. The UK agriculture sector has seen 28 farm worker deaths and four members of the public, including two children, losing their lives in farming accidents during the 2024-25 period. The statistics from the Health and Safety Executive coincide with the 13th annual Farm Safety Week, highlighting the need for increased awareness and improvement in farm safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • In 2024-25, farming accounted for 20% of workplace fatalities, with 28 farm worker deaths and four members of the public killed in farming accidents.
  • Over the past 13 years, an average of 31 lives have been lost on UK farms every year, with nearly half (48%) of the farm workers killed in 2024-25 being over the age of 65.
  • Being killed by moving or overturning vehicles was again the main cause of death in the agriculture industry during 2024-25.
  • Despite historical high rates of injury and ill health, recent data suggests progress is being made in improving farm safety, with the number of long-term ill health and serious injuries falling from over 23,000 to 18,000.
  • The number of farm accident claims in the UK dropped from 937 in 2023-24 to 894 in 2024-25, according to rural insurer NFU Mutual.
  • A survey by Yellow Wellies found that 81% of farmers in the UK believe "complacency" is a major contributor to accidents, while 82% cited "attitude" as the major factor.
  • The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) is working to improve farm safety through awareness campaigns and safety initiatives.
  • The pace of change in farm safety attitudes and behaviors is slow, with an estimated 13 farm deaths awaiting investigation every week.

Statistics:

  • The number of farm accidents resulting in long-term ill health and serious injuries fell from over 23,000 to 18,000.
  • The number of farm accident claims in the UK dropped from 937 in 2023-24 to 894 in 2024-25.
  • An average of 31 lives have been lost on UK farms every year over the past 13 years.
  • 81% of farmers in the UK believe "complacency" is a major contributor to accidents.
  • 82% of farmers in the UK cite "attitude" as the major factor in farm accidents.

Sources:

  • Health and Safety Executive (no date)
  • Yellow Wellies (no date)
  • NFU Mutual (no date)
  • Farm Safety Foundation (no date)