Common Hazards in Farming, Fishing, and Agriculture
Workers in the forestry, agriculture, and fishing industries face hazards in the workplace daily. According to the Health and Safety Executive, when combined, farming, fishing, and forestry account for the riskiest industrial sector in Scotland. Accidents frequently occur, and given the nature of the work, many of these accidents can be serious or even fatal.
These accidents can include:
- Chemical exposure
- Falling from height
- Accidents caused by working with animals
- Accidents involving farm machinery
- Accidents caused by farm vehicles
- Accidents due to lack of training
- Accidents in confined spaces
- Drowning and asphyxiation
Mundane Accidents and Extraordinary Hazards
Although the sector has uniquely hazardous risks such as dangerous machinery and work at height, health and safety concerns in agriculture, fishing, and forestry are not limited to these extreme hazards. The sector also sees a high number of accidents from slips, trips, and manual handling.
Despite the dangers, many workers hesitate to make agricultural accident claims out of fear of losing their jobs, especially in family-run businesses. However, employees should remember that employers have liability insurance to cover compensation awards, meaning that making a claim will not leave their employer out of pocket.
Farm Accident Compensation with Scotland's Leading Personal Injury Firm
If you have sustained serious injury in an agricultural accident, Thompsons Solicitors' farm accident compensation team can help you secure the maximum possible settlement for your pain, injury, losses, and expenses. We have offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Peebles, Galashiels and Dumfries and, if necessary, we can come to you wherever you are in Scotland to help you pursue your claim.
Provided your accident or injury diagnosis occurred within the last three years, you may be eligible to make an agricultural accident claim. For advice and guidance, including how you may be able to proceed under a No Win No Fee agreement, call our personal injury lawyers today.
Agriculture: A Dangerous Business
There is no doubt that farming contributes to a disproportionate number of workplace accidents in Scotland and across Britain. Despite making up only 1.8% of the British workforce, farming accounts for nearly 20% of reported fatal injuries each year.
There are many reasons for this, including poor safety training, inadequate personal protective equipment, and insufficient risk assessments, as well as recklessness on the part of some employers. Common causes of major injury in the agricultural sector include:
- Lifting and handling accidents
- Falls from height
- Incidents involving farm vehicles and machinery
- Exposure to hazardous substances
Whatever the case, there is still an unacceptable number of farm accidents in Scotland, with lifting and handling accidents, falls, incidents involving vehicles and machinery, and hazardous substances being the most common sources of serious injury.
Life-Saving Partnerships
In 2014, the Farm Safety Partnership was established with the goal of reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries on Scotland's farms each year. This initiative was formed in response to Health and Safety statistics showing that, over the past ten years, nearly 80 people had been killed in accidents on Scottish farms. These figures include:
- 13 deaths from working at height
- 26 deaths in incidents involving farm vehicles
- 6 deaths involving machinery
- 9 deaths caused by accidents with livestock
Rick Brunt, Head of Agriculture at the Health and Safety Executive, commented: "The high rate of deaths in the farming sector underlines the industry's poor record of managing risks. Every year, too many people are needlessly killed and injured on farms in Scotland. This partnership is a massive step forward in creating a safer future."
Claim Compensation with Thompsons
At Thompsons, we understand the unique challenges associated with agricultural accident claims and offer private, independent advice to help you navigate the process. Whether you’ve experienced a minor injury or a serious, life-altering accident, we are here to support you.
We handle all types of claims, from minor injury claims to cases dealing with serious and fatal injuries. With offices across Scotland, we are well-placed to meet with accident victims, wherever they are located.
If you have been involved in a farming or agricultural accident within the last three years that was not your fault, speak with our specialist farm accident compensation lawyers today.
We will assess your claim and help you receive the compensation you deserve, all on a No Win No Fee basis.
