Agriculture faces rising safety risks as vehicle deaths, pipeline damage and extreme heat surge

Workplace fatalities involving moving vehicles have jumped by 71% in a single year, while agricultural work now accounts for more than half of all UK pipeline infringements, as the sector grapples with mounting physical and environmental pressures. The findings, drawn from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data and industry reports, signal urgent challenges for employers across farming, forestry and fishing.

Vehicle deaths spike despite overall fatality fall

HSE data for the 2025/26 period recorded 24 deaths caused by moving vehicles, up sharply from 14 the previous year. While total worker fatalities across all industries reached 126, the agricultural, forestry and fishing sectors accounted for 22 of those deaths — a 4% decrease for that specific category.

Falls from height remained the single biggest killer, causing 31 deaths, followed by being struck by falling objects, which resulted in 21 fatalities. Safety experts, including Brenig Moore, have called for improved traffic management and training to address the vehicle-related spike.

With moving?vehicle deaths climbing sharply, reviewing your workplace risk assessment has never been more urgent. Many employers still rely on outdated documentation, unaware of critical gaps that leave workers exposed. A free Risk Assessment Toolkit provides 41 ready?to?use checklists and templates to help you systematically identify and manage risks—from traffic management to manual handling. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit

Farming responsible for half of pipeline infringements

A 2025 report from Linewatch found that agricultural work caused 51% of all UK pipeline infringements — a 10% increase on 2024. Fencing activities were the most common cause, accounting for 23% of incidents.

The report also revealed that 80% of high-risk infringements were linked to agriculture, and nearly half occurred even when those involved knew the pipeline was present. Murray Peat of Linewatch urged operators to use digital location tools before starting any excavation or fencing work to prevent potentially catastrophic damage.

Heat stress reshapes working patterns

Extreme weather is forcing operational changes across Europe. In Spain's Bajo Cinca region, agricultural workers have started shifts as early as 5:00 a.m. to avoid temperatures exceeding 40°C. In the UK, where temperatures have reached 35°C, the HSE is consulting on potential updates to the Approved Code of Practice for workplace temperatures.

The heat is also affecting livestock. Animal welfare groups have warned that pigs and poultry are especially vulnerable during heatwaves, with a lack of national monitoring systems leaving heat-related animal deaths largely untracked. Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue reported attending 16 farm fires so far in 2026, noting an increase in callouts during warm weather and raising concerns over suspected arson attacks on crops.

As farm fires become more frequent and the weather grows hotter, having a solid fire?safety plan is no longer optional. Many companies miss critical compliance steps that could mean the difference between a near?miss and a devastating loss. The free Fire Safety Toolkit includes a complete risk assessment, evacuation plan, and extinguisher training to keep your premises and people protected. Get the free Fire Safety Toolkit

Long-term health risks and policy shifts

Outdoor workers face significant long-term health hazards. Solar radiation is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, and research shows outdoor workers have a 60% higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. A 2026 cohort study in Ontario involving 2.4 million workers linked chronic UV exposure to elevated melanoma rates.

In response to the demanding nature of farming, new policy proposals are emerging. A landmark proposal for the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2028 and beyond suggests funding for replacement labour, allowing farmers to take paid leave for sickness, maternity, bereavement and holidays. Denis Drennan, president of the ICMSA, welcomed the proposal, noting that Irish dairy farmers currently average only 19 days off per year.

To streamline administrative support, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) launched new digital contact forms on July 7, 2026, covering TB advice, pet travel and welfare queries, aiming to reduce response times by directing inquiries to specialised teams.

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