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Red Tractor in Field

Agriculture Health and Safety

Protecting Lives, Livelihoods, and the Land We Work On

The agricultural sector is one of the most hazardous industries in the UK, with risks spanning heavy machinery, chemical exposure, livestock handling, and lone working. At SVC Safety Solutions, we’re here to help you identify, assess, and manage these risks so you can focus on what you do best—farming.

Harvesting

Why Agriculture Health and Safety Matters

Agriculture continues to be one of the most hazardous industries in the UK, with fatal and non-fatal injury rates significantly higher than the national average. Despite employing just 1% of the UK workforce, the sector accounts for a disproportionate number of workplace injuries and fatalities. Key insights from the latest statistics include:

  • 23 worker fatalities occurred in agriculture, forestry, and fishing during 2023/24, slightly below the five-year annual average of 24.

  • 25% of these fatalities were caused by being struck by moving vehicles, the most common cause of death in the sector.

  • Over the five-year period, the sector's fatal injury rate of 8.23 per 100,000 workers is 21 times higher than the all-industry average.

  • There were 8,000 self-reported non-fatal injuries annually during 2019/20–2023/24, with musculoskeletal disorders making up 60% of all work-related ill health cases.

  • The economic cost of workplace injuries and ill health in this sector is estimated at £103M–£308M per year (2022/23 prices).

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These sobering figures highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and training. Improving health and safety practices not only prevents loss of life and injuries but also promotes long-term sustainability and efficiency for farming businesses.

Common Agriculture Hazards

Agricultural work is inherently diverse and poses many risks, including:

  • Operating and maintaining heavy machinery

  • Livestock handling

  • Working at height

  • Exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and dust

  • Navigating silos and confined spaces

  • Managing electricity, fire, noise, and vibration hazards

  • Stress, fatigue, and extended working hours during peak seasons

  • Risks associated with temporary or seasonal workers

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A comprehensive approach to health and safety is essential to address these hazards and ensure compliance with legal obligations.

Farmers Harvesting Crops

Why Agriculture Health and Safety Matters

Effective risk management starts with thorough risk assessments. If you employ five or more people (including directors or partners), you are legally required to:

  • Conduct and document risk assessments.

  • Develop a written Health & Safety policy.

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Even smaller businesses benefit from maintaining records of risk assessments and training logs to demonstrate compliance and safeguard against potential incidents. For farms pursuing Red Tractor certification, these documents are essential.

SVC Safety Solutions – Supporting Safer Farms

Our expert team works with you to improve farm safety, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with current regulations. We understand the unique challenges facing the agricultural sector, from tight schedules to resource constraints.

Our Agriculture Health and Safety Services

We provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to your needs, including:

  • Custom Farm H&S File

  • Machinery Risk Assessments

  • Farm Risk Assessments

  • Occupational Health Advice

  • Farm H&S Policy and Action Plans

  • Environmental Support

  • Permit-to-Work Documentation

  • Farmyard Inspections

  • COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Assessments

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Our solutions are designed to simplify compliance and implement practical safety measures that protect workers, the public, and the environment.

HSE’s 'Safe Farm, Safe Vehicle,
Safe Driver' Campaign

In response to alarming fatality rates, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched the 'Safe Farm, Safe Vehicle, Safe Driver' campaign in March 2023. This initiative provides essential guidance to prevent vehicle-related accidents—the leading cause of deaths in agriculture.

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SVC Safety Solutions can help you implement the campaign’s recommendations, ensuring safer practices across your operations.

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Why Choose SVC Safety Solutions?

At SVC Safety Solutions, we take a practical, no-nonsense approach to health and safety. We deliver bespoke advice and documentation tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the best possible service.

 

What Sets Us Apart?

✅ Expert Knowledge: Decades of experience in health and safety, specialising in agriculture.

✅ Tailored Solutions: No generic templates—only customised services that work for your business.

✅ Practical Advice: Straightforward recommendations without unnecessary legal jargon.

✅ Comprehensive Support: From risk assessments to ongoing guidance, we’re with you every step of the way.

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