Farming Accidents Compensation Claims Scotland

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has stated that the agricultural industry has the worst rate of worker fatal injury (per 100,000) of all the main industry sectors in the UK. In the last ten years, almost one person per week has been fatally injured as a direct result of agricultural work. Many more employees have sustained serious injuries as a result of their work.

Farming is a high-risk industry to work in. Farmers and farm workers work daily with extremely dangerous machinery, vehicles, livestock, and chemicals. Employees can be exposed to numerous risk factors including noise and dust.

The most common types of farming accidents are:-

• Incidents involving vehicles and machinery
• Falls from height
• Lifting and handling
• Hazardous substances
• Accidents involving livestock

If you have suffered an injury as a result of a farming accident our specialist team can help you claim the compensation you deserve. We understand how much of an impact your injury could have on your life and we will strive to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available to you. To discuss your specific circumstances with a member of our team, contact us today by calling 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our specialist solicitors will get back to you right away.  

It is vital that employers of those working on agricultural premises undertake risk assessments to enable them to identify what areas of the farm pose a risk to their employees. Once this has been carried out, an employer requires to take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest practicable level.

These requirements are covered by legislation, including the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Due to the nature of farming and the potential risks a farm may present, employers should ensure that: -

• Buildings are kept in reasonable repair, and floor areas are kept clear of all obstructions with good drainage and non-slip flooring for wet areas. Workshops should be kept tidy, and adequate lighting should be provided at all times.
• If working with livestock, an employer should have the appropriate handling and restraining equipment to reduce any risk to a minimum.
• Vehicles, equipment, and machinery provided for use at work must be well maintained, safe and free of all known defects.
• Employers are also legally required to provide training in how to operate equipment safely, the use of personal protective equipment and the procedures required to work all of them as safely as possible.

What are the most common causes of agricultural injuries?

The most common causes of fatal farming injuries include: -

• being struck by moving vehicles
• contact with machinery
• falls from height
• being struck by a moving or falling object
• injury by an animal
• asphyxiation
• being trapped by something collapsing or overturning
• contact with electricity

The main causes of non-fatal farming injuries are:

• falls from height
• being injured by an animal
• injury sustained by machinery
• slip, trip or fall on the same level
• being struck by moving, including flying or falling, objects
• exposure to a pesticide or weedkiller such as Glyphosate

Employees working in the farming and agricultural industry, are also at risk of breathing in dust particles or chemicals and risk being exposed to excessive vibration and noise when using machinery without the appropriate protection.This can lead to symptoms sometimes taking a number of years to materialise. In some cases, the condition suffered can result in death.

What should I do if I have been injured as a result of a farming accident in Scotland?

If you have suffered an injury as a result of a farming accident, you should report the accident as soon as possible to your supervisor or manager. You should ensure that the incident is recorded in the accident book. You should also seek medical attention at your GP or hospital.

You should also take photographs of your injury/injuries, the location of the accident and the equipment you were using at the time if this is possible. It is also important to obtain details of any witnesses to the incident or who can speak to the task that you were carrying out even if they didn’t witness your accident.

Farming Accident Compensation Injury Claim Lawyers Glasgow, Edinburgh & Dundee

Is there a time limit for making a claim relating to a personal injury claim in Scotland?

With all personal injury claims, there is a three-year time limit from the date of the accident or, if later, the date you first became aware you had been injured as a result of the accident.  We recommend seeking advice from a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. 

For a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a member of our team, call us today on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you right away.