The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has, this week (20 November 2025), published its annual workplace health and safety statistics and once again agriculture, forestry and fishing are among the most hazardous industries in the UK.

The Numbers We Cannot Ignore

• 23 fatal injuries to workers in 2024/25, close to the five‑year average of 25.
• 4 members of the public lost their lives in incidents linked to farming activity.
• Top causes of fatalities:
  • Moving vehicles
  • Falling/moving objects
  • Machinery
  • Animals
  • Falls from height
• 8,000 workers sustained non‑fatal injuries annually on average across the past five years.

These figures underline the reality: while fatalities remain stubbornly high, the sheer volume of non‑fatal injuries is equally concerning. Each incident represents disruption, pain and often long‑term consequences for individuals, families and businesses. You can read a deeper dive into this year’s statistics from HSE here.

From Statistics to Action

As members of the Farm Safety Partnership, the TFA is committed to driving change. But lasting improvements depend on each of us taking responsibility for safer working environments.

Practical steps include:

• Establish and regularly review farm health and safety policies.
• Ensuring risk assessments are current and acted upon.
• Providing training and supervision for all workers, including seasonal staff.
• Embedding a culture of vigilance, where unsafe practices are challenged.

Resources to Support You

There are excellent tools available to help farmers strengthen their approach:

• Build your own health and safety policy with the Yellow Wellies Template.
• Carry everyday guidance with The Little Book of Farm Safety.
• Farm Safety Checklist.
• Farm Emergency Plan Template.
• Keep families safe on farm with the Guide for Parents.
• Farm Safety Foundation Guide for Temporary Workers.
• Access comprehensive compliance advice in HSE’s Essential Guide to Health & Safety in Agriculture.

A Shared Responsibility

Safety is not just about compliance, it is about care for our people, our families and our future.

By taking time this winter to review policies, engage staff in open conversations and commit to practical improvements, we can reduce risks and protect lives.

The TFA will continue to work with partners in the Farm Safety Partnership to promote safer working environments. Together, we can ensure that these statistics become a turning point rather than a recurring headline.