Farm workers urged to be “vigilant” after fatal farming accidents reach three-year high

Farmers across Scotland are urged to be vigilant after the number of public deaths reached a three-year high.  

New data shows seven members of the public died on farms in 2025/26 – nearly double the fatality rate since 2022/23.  

Sadly, three of these were also found to be children. 

The alarming Health & Safety Executive figures also revealed 22 farm workers died from workplace accidents with the industry seeing the worst death rate of any sector. 

Our Partner, Mairi Day, is instructed in cases involving the deaths of farm workers and is urging the farming community to challenge unsafe practices. 

Mairi said: “It is simply unacceptable that in 2026 we still have people not returning home from work from avoidable incidents – it’s even more distressing to see that members of the public are losing their lives in these circumstances, especially children.

“Farms do have a degree of inherent risk due to heavy machinery and unpredictable animals but there are safety regulations, PPE and processes to counter these risks and keep people safe.

“If they are not followed then, as the HSE report confirms, the worst can happen.

“Farming is not an industry where workers or visitors should expect to be harmed.

“This is why I’d encourage farm owners, workers and others in those communities to be vigilant, follow safe practices and don’t be afraid to prioritise your safety because what happens to you may also affect your family.” 

The scale of fatal farming accidents was outlined by the HSE last month in an annual review where it noted "agriculture remains the industry with the highest rate of work-related fatalities".

The report shows seven members of the public died on farms in 2025/26 – the highest level since 2022/23 where four deaths were recorded for the two prior years.

For workers, the HSE stated that 22 farm workers died in 2025/26.

Over 65s accounted for around half of all deaths and falls from height, animals and machinery were most commonly linked to serious incidents. 

The figures mirror an ongoing FAI that is examining the deaths of six farm workers across Scotland. 

Colin Gibson, 62, passed away in April 2022 after he fell through the roof of a cow shed in Peterhead two years earlier.

Hugh MacPhail, 75, died in July 2023 after falling through the roof of a sheep shed he was repairing on the Isle of Mull.

Dale Pattinson, 36, fell through the skylight of a cattle shed in a Borders farm – he died in August 2023.

Stirling man Alan Brisbane, 60, died on 18 September 2023 after falling while working alone in a barn.

James Smith, 74, from East Ayrshire, also died after falling through a cow shed roof in August 2024.

And Charles Emslie, 71, died in September 2024 after falling through a grain store skylight in Aberdeenshire. 

Long hours, challenging weather, ageing workforces, heavy machinery and unpredictable animals are common risks associated with farming.

But it is thought localised economic pressures could play a part in fatal incidents with workers feeling “compelled” to work despite the risks.

The HSE also noted that of the 22 farm workers who died, 15 were self-employed. 

Mairi added: “No person should be asked to do a task they are not trained to do, in which they have no experience, which has not been properly planned, supervised or risk-assessed and in which suitable work equipment has not been provided.

“The law is clear that employers and those responsible for health and safety have a legal duty to minimise risks wherever possible.

“Farming is a high-pressure job but no one should feel compelled to put themselves in harm’s way simply for a wage.

“Safety procedures are basic but vital and, at times, literally life-saving and it’s not just the workers they protect, it’s their families too and members of the public.”