Safer farms start now, says IOSH

The recently-published Health and Safety Executive (HSE) annual fatality statistics showed there were 22 deaths in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain in 2025-26.

This figure was the second highest behind construction. However, the rate of 8.09 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers was far higher than any other industry.

It was these statistics and more which drove IOSH President Richard Bate to include farm safety among his priorities during his year in office.

Speaking at last year’s AGM, he said: “Agriculture might account for only one per cent of the UK workforce, but it’s responsible for 21 per cent of all worker fatalities. But I can’t let my IOSH presidential year be just another year in a continued knife-edge existence for agriculture workers. Can you?"

On Wednesday 22 July, IOSH will reveal the findings of a survey of 250 farmers in the UK, where we asked them about their attitudes towards health and safety. Later in the week, we’ll reveal more about how we are helping to enhance OSH standards in the industry.

Keep an eye out on our channels, including our social media accounts, during the week for more information.