In farming, times they are a-changin’

In 2024/25, 27 people died in the sector, including four members of the public, two of whom were children. Agriculture, forestry and fishing still has a fatality rate that’s 22 times the average UK all-industry rate for the last five years. Furthermore, 11,000 people were seriously injured on British farms in 2023/24. That means out of every 100 farm workers, around four will sustain a reportable workplace injury each year.

In a letter to Farmers Weekly this week, IOSH President-Elect Richard Bate points to how ill health also plagues farmers to a disproportionate degree. This includes high rates of musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory and skin diseases, as well as chronic pain and mobility issues.

“Add to this the mental health impacts that financial pressures, regulatory uncertainty, labour shortages, succession planning and isolation can have on farmers and their families, all linked to a high suicide rate, and the situation is precarious,” he writes.

Webinar recap: Can you be the change?

(Event now closed)
During Farm Safety Week, we partnered with the Farm Safety Foundation and the Farming Community Network to deliver a free webinar bringing together safety and health experts from across the farming sector to explore what needs to change.

Hosted by Richard Bate on Thursday 24 July, 12:30–13:30 (BST), the session examined farming’s bleak safety record and challenged attendees to “be the change” in shaping a safer future for rural industries. Richard was joined by a knowledgeable and committed panel:

• Stephanie Berkeley – Manager, Farm Safety Foundation
• Alex Phillimore, Head of Communications and Development, Farming Community Network
• Olivia Barrett – IOSH future leaders steering group and Risk Management Consultant, NFU Mutual
• Mike Whiting – Chair, IOSH Rural Industries community.

The event focused on practical solutions and how shared responsibility can help build a stronger health and safety culture in farming. It also examined why, in a recent LinkedIn poll, 75% of more than 400 respondents cited “general attitudes to risk” as the biggest barrier to implementing OSH practices in rural industries.

Richard reiterated his commitment to dedicating his IOSH presidential year to improving safety outcomes for farmers, stressing that farm life shouldn’t be a game of chance – and that good risk management, awareness and behaviour genuinely save and change lives.