THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently published its annual statistics for work-related fatalities. Agriculture had the highest rate of worker deaths of any sector – as is the case in most years.
In 2025/26, 126 workers died in work-related incidents. Construction topped the list with 25 deaths. But agriculture, forestry and fishing was the worst industry in terms of the number of fatalities per 100,000 workers.
There were 22 deaths in the HSE’s agriculture, forestry and fishing category – all of them in agriculture. Seven members of the public were also killed. Per 100,000 workers, there were 8.09 fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing. This is 22 times higher than the average death rate across all industries.
At H&H Insurance Brokers, we work with clients to help identify and minimise risks and threats to their business, which includes looking at health and safety. Managing risks not only provides protection against the devastating personal costs of an on-farm accident. It also avoids the financial costs that may come with any enforcement action associated with it.
It’s incredibly sad to hear how many families are devastated by tragedies experienced on a farm. But risk should not be an inevitable part of farming. By managing risk, farmers can better protect themselves, their families, their employees, and members of the public.
Contact the team at your local office or email [email protected] | www.hhinsurancebrokers.co.uk