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You are in: Home Page | Personal Injury | Workplace Accidents | Farm Accident Claim

Farm Accident Compensation Claims

Introduction to Farm Accidents
  Introductory Information about Accidents on Farms
Main Causes of Farm Accidents
  Potential Hazards of working in the Agricultural Industry
Farm Accident Compensation Claim Advice
  How to start a claim if you have been injured in an accident on a Farm

Introduction to Farm Accidents

Introductory Information about Accidents on Farms

Farms are places of work just like any other but unfortunately have historically had a poor health and safety record.

In fact, agriculture has one of the worst fatal accident and occupational ill health records of any major employment sector.  The industry accounts for only 1.7% of the workforce in the UK but accounts for 16% of the fatal injuries to workers.

Figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that an average of 49 people each year are killed in the agricultural industry.  This calculates to be almost one person every week.

It is not only farm workers who are injured or killed in farm accidents but also members of the public and tragically, children.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident on a farm you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.  For more information complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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Main Causes of Farm Accidents

Potential Hazards of working in the Agricultural Industry

Similarly to construction workers, farm workers are exposed to a high risk of injury whilst at work.  Some of the most common causes of injuries to farm workers are found below:

Accidents involving Farm Vehicles
Accidents involving Farm Machinery
Falls from Height on a Farm
Injuries caused by Falling Objects
Injuries and Illnesses caused by chemicals and other hazardous substances
Accidents involving Silos, Slurry Stores or Pits
Illnesses caused by high levels of noise
Illnesses caused by vibrating farm tools
Illnesses caused by exposure to dust
Dangerous Livestock

Accidents involving Farm Vehicles - Tractors, fork-lift trucks, quad bikes, combine harvesters and 4x4 vehicles are all commonly seen in use on farms and can lead to accidents.  People can be injured if a vehicle collides with them, crushes them or runs over their foot for example and they can also be injured if two vehicles collide or if a vehicle they are travelling in collides with another object such as a farm building.  People have also been injured when a farm vehicle they are travelling in overturns.  These types of accidents can cause all sorts of injuries ranging from whiplash to loss of limbs.

Accidents involving Farm Machinery - Machinery used in the agricultural industry can be very dangerous indeed.  Many farm accidents are caused by people injuring themselves on exposed pieces of machinery such as blades or transmission belts or having one of their limbs pulled into a dangerous machine.  It is imperative that the machinery is properly guarded, that the correct training is given to anyone operating dangerous machinery and that they are provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Falls from Height on a Farm - There are quite often a number of elevated areas on a farm which can prove to be dangerous.  People have been known to fall through fragile roofs or from trees or ladders for example.  Before anyone works at height training and risk assessments should be undertaken to avoid the risk of falls from height.

Injuries caused by Falling Objects

Objects falling from a height can be very dangerous indeed.  People have been injured and even killed on farms by objects falling from heights such as bales of hay, timber, trees or collapsing buildings which can trap people beneath them.

Injuries and Illnesses caused by chemicals and other hazardous substances

There are many different pesticides and dangerous chemicals used on farms which can cause serious illnesses if not handled correctly.  Once again it is necessary to train staff fully and to provide the relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Asbestos roofs and walls are common in farm buildings and great care needs to be taken to avoid exposure to potentially lethal asbestos dust from repairing or demolishing such structures.

Accidents involving Silos, Slurry Stores or Pits

Grain silos and slurry pits are extremely dangerous and in the past people have drowned or been asphyxiated after falling into silos or slurry stores.

There is a risk of inhalation of harmful fumes and industrial asthma can arise. There is also a risk of dermatitis from exposure to the contents and contaminants stored in such facilities.

Illnesses caused by high levels of noise

Farm vehicles and farm machinery including some tools used in the agricultural industry can be very loud pieces of equipment.  The excessive noise should be monitored and reduced at source by local noise deadening measures.

If the necessary ear defenders are not provided loss of hearing or tinnitus can be caused.

Illnesses caused by vibrating farm tools

Farm machinery and tools used within the agricultural industry such as chainsaws can lead to vibratory injuries if not used correctly.  In the past farm workers have been diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) after being exposed to vibrating tools.

Illnesses caused by exposure to dust

Farms can be very dusty places indeed particularly if they store large amounts of grain or hay for example.  Workers spending time in dusty environments are at risk of developing occupational asthma or other lung diseases such as farmer's lung.

Dangerous Livestock

Working with large farm animals can be a hazardous profession and approximately 8% of all farm-related deaths are attributed to dangerous livestock.

If you or someone you know has been injured whilst working on a farm, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim.  For more information about how Thompsons Solicitors can help you on a cost-free basis, contact us on 08000 224 224.

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Farm Accident Compensation Claim Advice

How to start a claim if you have been injured in an accident on a Farm

If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury as a result of an accident on a farm, telephone us now for accurate accident compensation claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim including claims for accidents on farms. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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