Analysis of workplace agricultural deaths by Unite, the UK’s leading union, has shown a steep increase in fatalities.

Increase in deaths 

Last year (2019/20) there were a total of 20 deaths in the agricultural sector, but according to the Health and Safety Executive’s fatality list for 2020/21, by the third week of February there had already been 33 deaths. An increase of 61 per cent.

Tragically, there are likely to have been further deaths before the end of the reporting year on 1 April 2021. Even before the latest figures emerged, agriculture was considered to be the most dangerous sector in the UK, with fatality rates 18 times the national average.

Workers' Memorial Day

Unite has released its analysis on the eve of International Workers’ Memorial Day (Wednesday 28 April) and has called for the government, the HSE and agricultural employers to take urgent action to improve safety.

The highest causes of deaths were contact with cattle (11 deaths including five members of the general public) and deaths involving vehicles (10 deaths).

Increase in inspections 

Unite believes that in order to improve safety there needs to be an increase in inspections, enforcement activity and prosecutions by the HSE. Unite also believes that a system of accredited roving safety reps needs to be created to improve safety.

Given the considerable number of deaths involving the general public and cattle, an effective information campaign is urgently needed warning of the risks of coming into contact with the animals while enjoying the countryside.

One death is one too many

Unite national officer for agriculture Bev Clarkson said: “The increase of agricultural deaths is deeply disturbing and must not be ignored.

“One death is one too many and the mindset that death and serious injury is an occupational hazard in agriculture must be entirely eradicated.

 “The high number of fatalities demonstrates that far too many employers are willing to cut corners or ignore safety rules, which leads to tragic consequences.

 “In order to ensure that the entire agricultural sector improves its safety record there needs to be a steep increase in inspections, enforcement activity and prosecutions.

 “Unite has long championed the creation of accredited roving safety reps to vastly improve safety in the industry. The government and the HSE must bite the bullet and support such a scheme in order to improve safety.

 “Only the genuine fear of prosecution will drag the worst employers into line and ensure that workers are better protected.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

 During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.