Here are the top five causes of fatal injuries on farms in the UK, along with ways you can prevent them:

1. Being struck by moving vehicles or machinery (29%)

Accidents involving moving vehicles and machinery are the main cause of fatal injuries on farms in the UK. These incidents can occur due to various factors, including:

• Improper vehicle or machinery operation: Operators may lack training or experience in handling farm vehicles and machinery, leading to errors in judgment and control.
• Poor visibility and blind spots: Large farm vehicles often have blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see bystanders or other vehicles.
• Unsafe work practices: Inadequate signage, lack of designated traffic routes, and failure to wear high-visibility clothing can increase the risk of collisions.

Preventive measures:

• Ensure proper training and experience: Provide comprehensive training to all operators on the safe operation of farm vehicles and machinery. Regular refresher courses and assessments can help maintain competency.
• Improve visibility and reduce blind spots: Install mirrors, cameras, and proximity sensors on vehicles and machinery to enhance visibility. Use reflective strips, markings, and high-visibility clothing to increase conspicuity.
• Implement safe work practices: Establish clear traffic routes and signage, enforce speed limits, and restrict access to work areas when vehicles and machinery are in operation.

2. Falls from height (20%)

Falls from height are a significant contributor to fatal farm accidents. These incidents often involve ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and storage structures.

• Unsafe work practices: Failure to inspect and maintain work platforms, improper ladder use, and working at unsafe heights without fall protection can increase the risk of falls.
• Lack of fall protection: Inadequate or improperly used fall protection equipment, such as guardrails, safety harnesses and nets, can fail to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.

Preventive measures:

• Regular inspection and maintenance: Inspect ladders, scaffolding, and other work platforms regularly for defects or damage. Maintain these structures in good working condition and replace them when necessary.
• Safe work practices: Provide training on safe ladder use, including proper setup, securing, and climbing techniques. Use the appropriate fall protection equipment, such as safety harnesses, guardrails, and nets, when working at heights.
• Clear work areas: Remove obstacles and clutter from areas you're working in to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation in workspaces.

3. Entanglement in machinery or equipment (14%)

Entanglement incidents involve being caught in rotating or moving parts of machinery or equipment, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

• Unguarded machinery: Failure to properly guard machinery, such as power saws, conveyors, and PTO shafts, can expose workers to entanglement hazards.
• Loose clothing or jewelry: Loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair can become entangled in moving parts, increasing the risk of entanglement.
• Unsafe work practices: Reaching into moving machinery, operating equipment without proper training, and failing to lockout or tagout equipment can increase the risk of entanglement.

Preventive measures:

• Proper guarding: Install and maintain appropriate guards on all machinery to prevent entanglement. Ensure that guards are securely fastened and do not interfere with normal operation.
• Safe work practices: Train workers on the safe operation of machinery, emphasizing the importance of staying clear of moving parts, wearing appropriate attire, and using lockout/tagout procedures.
• Regular maintenance: Inspect and maintain machinery regularly to identify and address any potential entanglement hazards, such as loose or damaged guards or worn components.

4. Contact with electricity (10%)

Electrical accidents can result from contact with live wires, faulty wiring, or electrical equipment malfunctions.

• Damaged or faulty electrical equipment: Defective wiring, exposed wires, and malfunctioning equipment can pose serious electrical hazards.
• Unsafe work practices: Working on electrical equipment without proper training or authorization, failing to isolate circuits before working on them, and using wet or damaged electrical tools can increase the risk of electrical shock.

Preventive measures:

• Regular electrical inspections: Conduct regular inspections and testing of electrical installations and equipment by qualified electricians. Address any defects or malfunctions promptly.
• Safe work practices: Train workers on electrical safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, proper grounding, and the use of appropriate PPE.
• Proper maintenance: Maintain electrical equipment in good working condition and avoid overloading circuits or using damaged or makeshift wiring.

5. Exposure to harmful substances or conditions (8%)

Exposure to hazardous substances or conditions, such as dust, fumes, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, and even fatalities.

Preventing exposure to harmful substances on a farm is vital to protect the workers' health and safety. Here are some essential measures to implement:

1. Identify and Assess Hazards: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify the potential harmful substances present on the farm, such as chemicals, dust, fumes, and gases. Evaluate the likelihood and severity of exposure to these substances.
2. Eliminate or Reduce Hazards: Prioritize eliminating or reducing the presence of hazardous substances at the source. This may involve substituting less harmful alternatives, using sealed containers for storage, or implementing ventilation systems to remove airborne contaminants.
3. Implement Engineering Controls: When eliminating or reducing hazards is not feasible, implement engineering controls to minimize exposure. These controls can include:

• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to remove dust, fumes, and gases from the workplace.
• Machine guards to prevent contact with moving parts that could generate dust or fumes.
• Enclosure of hazardous processes to isolate the hazard and prevent exposure.

1. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, respirators, goggles, and coveralls, to workers who cannot avoid exposure to hazardous substances. Train workers on the proper use, selection, and maintenance of PPE.
2. Develop and Implement Safe Work Practices: Establish clear and detailed safe work practices for handling, storing, and using hazardous substances. Provide comprehensive training to workers on these practices.
3. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor exposure levels to hazardous substances to ensure they are within safe limits. Maintain engineering controls and PPE in good working condition.
4. Housekeeping and Waste Management: Implement effective housekeeping practices to maintain a clean and organised environment to work in. Handle and dispose of hazardous waste carefully to prevent contamination and exposure.
5. Training and Awareness: Provide regular training to workers on the identification, hazards, and control measures for harmful substances. Raise awareness about safe work practices and PPE use.
6. Emergency Procedures: Establish clear emergency procedures for responding to incidents involving exposure to harmful substances. Train workers on these procedures and ensure the availability of emergency response equipment.
7. Health Surveillance: Implement a health surveillance program for workers exposed to hazardous substances. This may include regular health checks and monitoring for early signs of health problems.

By implementing these comprehensive measures, farms can effectively prevent exposure to harmful substances and protect the health and safety of their workers.

Displaying the correct health and safety signs can help prevent accidents from occurring on a farm.