The agricultural industry is a huge employer in the UK and the Health and Safety Executives own figures show that it accounts for nearly 20% of all worker fatalities. There figures also show that serious accidents within the industry are increasing.
Apart from construction sites, farms are one of the most dangerous places to work. This is partly due to the large number of different tasks, machinery and vehicles that are used. The most common causes of a farm accident injury claim are due to:
Falling from a height
There are numerous ways that farm workers can suffer an injury after falling from a height and many, who are injured due to the negligence of the employer or another worker, pursue a farm worker falling from a height accident claim. The most common areas on a farm where workers fall from a height are from ladders, trees, lofts and roofs.
Unpredictable farm animals
Farm animals are unpredictable and therefore all farm workers who are in control of them should be fully trained in how to control them safely.
Hit and injured by an agricultural vehicle on a farm
An accident claim for being hit by a moving vehicle on a farm is very common. This is due to a variety of different types of vehicles on farms such as tractors, 4x4 vehicles and combine harvesters. The workers using these vehicles should be fully trained. Farm workers hit by moving vehicles accounts for over 25% of all farm worker fatalities.
Injuries caused by falling objects
Farm workers being hit by falling objects occur extremely frequently. The most common causes are due to workers being hit by bales of hay, pieces of wood, masonry and trees.
If you have been hit by such an object due to someone else’s negligence and were injured as a result, it may be possible to make a claim for a farm worker hit by a falling object.
Accidents involving silos, slurry stores or pits
Accidents in these areas are often as a result of Asphyxiation (lack of oxygen to the body) which can lead to farm workers feeling dizzy or even passing out. It is this condition which is responsible for around 10% of fatalities on a farm as workers pass out as a result of asphyxiation and often drown.
Injuries by being trapped or crushed
There are lots of ways in which farm workers can suffer a non fault injury by being trapped or crushed, but the most common causes are due to machinery or overturned vehicles. As long as the injury is diagnosed and the accident was not your fault a trapped or crushed farm worker injury claim may be possible.
Lifting or carrying accidents
Not just farm workers but workers from all industries that have to lift or carry heavy items, should be fully given the appropriate lifting training so they are fully aware on how to lift safely.
Lack of protective clothing
Often on a farm, chemical substances are used for a wide variation of applications. Not only should you be fully trained in the use of chemicals but all necessary personal protective equipment should be provided. This may include goggles, clothing, gloves and shoes. If as a farm worker you have been injured as a result of not being provided the correct safety wear, a farm accident due to lack of protective clothing injury claim may be possible.
Lack of adequate training
Training is essential for health and safety reasons. Whatever you do on a farm you should be fully trained and made aware of any potential hazards. This training may involve the use of farm equipment, driving of tractors or any other farm vehicle, lifting training and the use of chemicals. If you are a farm worker injured through lack of training, an agricultural compensation claim due to lack of training may be possible.
There are a variety of injuries farm workers suffer as a result of a farm based work accident. The most common include fractures, internal injuries, being electrocuted, concussion, asphyxiation and poisoning. Loud machinery on farm can lead to a variety of hearing problems and dust can cause skin conditions and respiratory disorders.
However you have been injured as result of working on a farm contact us here at the Accident Advice Bureau. Our fully trained, friendly staff will discuss your accident at work compensation claim with you and advise you of the next step.
Call 0845 10 88 333 or click: Agricultural Accident at Work Compensation Claims.
