Introduction
Tractors are vital in agriculture, construction and grounds maintenance, but they are also powerful vehicles that can cause serious injuries if something goes wrong. Accidents may involve rollovers, defective equipment, poor training or unsafe working practices. If you were injured in a tractor accident at work and your employer was at fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains common tractor accidents, when employers are responsible, what evidence helps, and how much you could 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)
- Tractor accidents can cause crush injuries, fractures, amputations and fatalities.
- Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER and agricultural safety regulations.
- Compensation can cover pain, suffering, medical costs, lost wages and rehabilitation.
- You usually have three years from the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.
What is a tractor accident?
A tractor accident is any incident involving the unsafe use, maintenance or management of tractors in agricultural or industrial settings. Because tractors are heavy and often operate on uneven ground, accidents can have devastating consequences. Common causes include:
- Rollovers – when tractors overturn on slopes or uneven terrain.
- Collisions – with other vehicles, pedestrians or fixed objects.
- Mechanical failures – due to poor maintenance or defective parts.
- Falling from tractors – while mounting or dismounting without proper steps or handholds.
- Poor training – operators not instructed in safe use.
See: HSE: Tractor safety.
Examples of tractor accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Tractor rollover | Steep slope, unstable ground, no rollover protection | Crush injuries, spinal damage, fatalities |
| Collision with pedestrian | Poor visibility, lack of traffic management | Multiple fractures, head trauma |
| Mechanical failure | Faulty brakes, steering or hydraulics | Loss of control, crush injuries, amputations |
| Fall from tractor | No safe steps or handholds, slippery surfaces | Fractures, sprains, back injury |
| Entanglement | Poorly guarded power take-off (PTO) shaft | Severe lacerations, amputations, fatalities |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your tractor accident occurred within the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide training, maintain equipment, or ensure safe systems of work, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the accident.
If unsure, start with Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a tractor accident claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and PUWER regulations. They must:
- Maintain tractors and attachments in safe working condition.
- Fit rollover protection structures (ROPS) and seatbelts where required.
- Provide operator training and supervision.
- Ensure safe traffic routes and separation of vehicles and pedestrians.
- Carry out risk assessments for terrain and weather conditions.
If these duties were breached, the employer may be liable. See also Health and safety breach claims.
Evidence that strengthens a tractor accident claim
- Medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment.
- Accident book entries and incident investigation reports.
- Inspection and maintenance records for the tractor.
- Training and certification records for operators.
- Witness statements and photographs of the accident scene.
Time limits for tractor accident claims
You normally have three years from the date of the accident or from when you realised your injury was caused by unsafe conditions (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply if you were under 18 or lack capacity. See time limits for claims.
FAQs
Can I claim if I was a farmworker injured by a tractor?
Yes. Agricultural workers are at high risk of tractor accidents, and employers must follow strict safety rules. See Agricultural accident claims.
Can I claim if I was partly responsible?
Yes, but your compensation may be reduced under contributory negligence rules. See What is contributory negligence?.
Do I need to attend a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will examine your injuries and provide a report to support your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Next steps
If you suffered an injury in a tractor accident, you may be entitled to benefits and compensation. See benefits after a workplace accident and speak with a solicitor about starting your claim.
Our work injury advisors will:
- Offer free, impartial advice
- Explain how No Win, No Fee works
- Recommend the right solicitor
External references
- HSE: Agriculture - offers comprehensive health and safety resources for the agricultural sector, including risk management for tractor-related activities.
- HSE: Machinery safety in agriculture - details safety measures for agricultural machinery, including tractors, to reduce injury risks.
- PUWER Regulations 1998 - outlines the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, ensuring safe use and maintenance of tractors and other machinery.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for injuries sustained in tractor accidents at work.
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 September 2025 by Chris Salmon