tractor

Farm accidents are unfortunately fairly common place, generally an accident on a farm will result in only minor injury, but sometimes it can be much more serious.

Farms are a place of work , but over the years farming has had a pretty poor health and safety record. The agricultural industry has one of the worst fatal accident health records of any UK major employment sector.

Just like any other place of work, an accident can happen on a farm, but farms can be much more dangerous than the average work place, farms are full of equipment, machinery, chemicals and animals that can all present serious danger if not handled properly.

Farm owners have a duty of care to all staff who work for them, it is the farm owners responsibility to ensure suitable training is given to staff who use specialist farming machinery and equipment or handle animals or chemicals as part of their job.

In addition the farm owner must ensure they fully comply with health and safety rules which are designed to help prevent accident and injuries to staff and other visitors to the farm.

The most common farm accidents that result in injury are:

  • Accidents involving farm vehicles (tractors, combine harvesters, diggers, balers, quad bikes)
  • Falls from height (ladders, bales, lofts)
  • Injury and illness caused by dangerous livestock and animals
  • Accidents from items falling from above (bales, tools)
  • Burn injuries (hot machinery, naked flames)
  • Accidents with machinery (fork lifts, conveyor belts,  baling machines)
  • Trips and Slips (uneven surfaces, wet or muddy floors)
  • Sickness, burns and injury from powder or liquid chemicals

Farm workers aren’t the only people who are exposed to dangers that can result in an accident and injury, visitors to a farm are equally vulnerable, this includes children and adults alike.

Leaflet - Child Safety on Farms

Anyone who is injured or taken sick after visiting a farm should seek the advice of a specialist personal injury Solicitor who has experience of handling farming claims.

An expert Solicitor with experience of farming claims will not only understand the process of making a compensation claim but will also ensure the victim receives the best payout award possible.

In addition, a specialist farming Solicitor will also normally provide access to private medical treatment to ensure the victim recovers from their injuries as quickly as possible.

Pinto Potts are specialist personal injury claims Solicitors with considerable experience, if you, a friend or family member has been injured or suffered illness following a visit to a farm please get in touch for free legal advice about what to do next, call free on: 0800 316 4434.