During 2017/18, the average rate of fatal workplace injuries for all industries is 0.44 per thousand workers, however the rate for the agricultural, forestry and fishing industry is almost 19 times higher. this represents a total 29 workers. In addition to this, four members of the public, including children, also lost their lives.

The most common source of fatal injury was livestock, followed by moving machinery and entrapment when something collapses.

When looking at data over a five year period, the most common causes of fatal injury were moving vehicles, livestock and falls from heights.

The highest rates of fatal injury (46%) occurred in the over 65s.

Two thirds of worker deaths were among the self employed.

Estimates indicate that 13,000 workers received non fatal injuries representing approximately 3.7% of workers. This is twice the average for all industries combined.

It is estimated that there were 17,000 cases of work related ill health. Over half of these were musculoskeletal disorders

2.5% of workers suffer from work related musculoskeletal disorders, this is twice the average.

Work related illness and injury in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector has been estimated to cost £293 million.

HSE, 2018. Agriculture, forestry and fishing statistics in Great Britain, 2018. Available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/agriculture.pdf. (Accessed 16th April 2018)

HSE, 2018. Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain 2017/18. Available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/pdf/agriculture-fatal-injuries-1718.pdf. (Accessed 1`6th April 2018)

Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence