Introduction
Farming and agricultural work is vital to the UK economy, but it is also one of the most hazardous industries. Heavy machinery, chemicals, livestock and long hours in challenging environments all increase the risk of injury. If you have been injured while working in farming or agriculture, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains when employers are responsible, what evidence helps most, and how to start a No Win No Fee claim.
At a glance
- Around 15,000 workers were injured in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 2,020 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- You can claim compensation if your injury was caused by employer negligence or unsafe working conditions.
- Common causes include machinery accidents, falls from height, livestock incidents, vehicle collisions, chemical exposure and long-term repetitive strain injuries.
- Evidence that strengthens claims includes accident book entries, RIDDOR reports, medical records, witness statements and machinery maintenance logs.
- Compensation can cover pain and suffering, lost income, medical costs, rehabilitation and long-term care if needed.
- Most farming accident claims run on a No Win No Fee basis, with nothing to pay upfront.
To help your claim, report the accident promptly. Photograph the machine, field or yard, and any guards. Note training, lone working and hours. Ask for risk assessments, maintenance logs and any CCTV.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a farming accident?
A farming accident is any injury sustained while working in agricultural settings such as farms, fields, greenhouses or food production facilities. Injuries may occur during the use of machinery, handling animals, transporting produce, working at height, or exposure to hazardous substances.
Farming accidents can result in anything from sprains and broken bones to life-changing injuries.
Common causes of farming accidents
- Tractor or quad bike accidents, often due to rollovers or lack of proper training.
- Machinery entanglement or crushing incidents from equipment such as balers, harvesters or conveyors.
- Falls from ladders, silos, barns or other farm structures.
- Injuries caused by livestock including kicks, trampling or crushing.
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides or cleaning agents.
- Long-term musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive tasks, vibration or heavy lifting.
External guidance: HSE: Agriculture health and safety, HSE: Machinery safety in agriculture.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers in the agricultural industry have a legal duty of care to protect workers from foreseeable harm. Liability may arise if:
- Machinery was unsafe, unguarded or inadequately maintained.
- Protective equipment (PPE) was not provided or enforced.
- You were not properly trained in using equipment or handling animals.
- Workplace hazards such as unguarded silos or slippery surfaces were ignored.
- Accident reporting procedures (RIDDOR) were not followed.
Related reading: Dangerous machinery injury claims, Manual handling claims.
Employment status and farm & agricultural accident claims
Agricultural injuries from vehicles, livestock and machinery are common. If negligence is proven, your contract type shouldn’t prevent a claim. See how employment status affects your claim:
What should I do after a farming accident?
- Get medical attention: seek treatment immediately and ensure your injuries are recorded.
- Report the accident: ensure the accident is written in the farm accident book and, where necessary, reported under RIDDOR.
- Gather evidence: keep photographs, witness details, machinery logs and PPE records. See How to gather evidence after a work accident.
- Seek advice: speak to a solicitor specialising in workplace claims to understand your rights.
Am I eligible to claim?
You can usually claim if:
- Your accident occurred within the last 3 years, and
- Employer negligence or unsafe practices caused or contributed to your injury, and
- Medical evidence links your injury to the farming accident.
Unsure if you qualify? See Do I have a claim?
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a farming accident claim depends on your circumstances. Compensation includes:
- General damages: for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, valued with reference to the Judicial College Guidelines.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as medical bills, transport costs, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses and long-term care.
Our calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines and takes into account multiple injuries and financial losses:
Evidence that strengthens farming accident claims
- Accident book entries or RIDDOR reports filed with the HSE.
- Medical records and fit notes.
- Photographs of the accident scene and equipment.
- Witness statements from colleagues or bystanders.
- Training records and PPE issue logs.
- Maintenance records for machinery or vehicles involved.
The independent medical assessment
As part of your claim, you will attend an independent medical assessment with a suitably qualified expert. The doctor will review your history, assess your injuries and prepare a report that is central to valuing your claim.
No Win No Fee farming accident claims
Most agricultural accident claims run under a No Win No Fee agreement. This means you pay nothing upfront. If your claim succeeds, your solicitor’s success fee is deducted from your compensation. If it doesn’t, you pay nothing.
Learn more: No Win No Fee.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I am self-employed?
Yes. Many farm workers are self-employed or contractors. You may still be able to claim if another party’s negligence caused your injury.
What if no safety training was given?
Lack of training is a common cause of successful claims. Employers must ensure workers are trained and competent in their tasks.
Will claiming affect my job?
You cannot legally be dismissed for making a claim. Your rights are protected under employment law.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- HSE: Agriculture health and safety - comprehensive guidance on managing farm risks.
- HSE: Agricultural machinery safety - safe use and maintenance of farming equipment.
- HSE: Workplace transport in agriculture - preventing vehicle-related injuries on farms.
- HSE: Farm safety – working with livestock (PDF) - official guidance on safe animal handling.