Agricultural Accident Statistics UK: 2025/26 HSE Figures

How many people die in agricultural accidents?

The 22 worker deaths and seven public deaths bring the sector’s total to 29 deaths in Great Britain in 2025/26. Worker deaths alone accounted for 17.5% of the 126 workplace fatalities recorded across all industries, calculated as 22 ÷ 126.

The figures cover agriculture, forestry and fishing. HSE’s series covers England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland publishes separate figures.

Why is agriculture a high-risk industry?

Over the five years to 2025/26, HSE puts the sector’s worker fatal injury rate at 21 times the all-industry rate. Vehicles, falling objects, falls from height, animals and machinery feature among the leading hazards. Moving or overturning vehicles were involved in eight deaths in 2025/26.

The long-term fatal injury rate has generally fallen, but HSE’s 2025 sector report describes a flattening of progress in more recent years.

Older workers and children

People over 65 accounted for half of worker deaths in 2025/26. HSE also recorded nine child deaths over the previous five years, including three in 2025/26.

HSE’s farm-safety advice includes separating children from working areas, providing secure play spaces and controlling access to vehicle routes and machinery.

Non-fatal injuries and work-related ill health

An estimated 8,000 workers suffered a non-fatal injury each year, on average, over 2020/21–2024/25. A separate estimate puts work-related ill health at 9,000 workers a year, including both new and long-standing conditions. These Labour Force Survey estimates cover agriculture, forestry and fishing.

HSE uses a five-year average to improve the reliability of survey estimates for this relatively small sector. The figures describe a typical year across that period rather than a count for 2025/26.

What can farms do to reduce the risks?

Vehicle routes, reversing, machinery maintenance and access by children are practical priorities. HSE’s Safe Stop sequence is to apply the handbrake, put controls in neutral, stop the engine and remove the key. Maintenance may also need isolation and control of stored energy.

Our Risk Assessment Training covers the general process of identifying hazards and choosing controls. Farm-specific procedures should follow the relevant HSE guidance and equipment instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Is agriculture the most dangerous industry in Great Britain?

HSE identifies agriculture, forestry and fishing as the main industry sector with the highest worker fatal injury rate. The five-year rate to 2025/26 was 21 times the all-industry rate.

How many children died in agricultural incidents?

HSE recorded three child deaths in 2025/26 and nine over the previous five years in Great Britain.

Are the latest figures for the whole UK?

The HSE figures cover Great Britain. Northern Ireland has a separate regulator and statistical series.