Accidents in the Workplace: Farming and Agriculture

The farming and agriculture industry in Northern Ireland and the UK has a disproportionately high number of accidents and fatalities when compared to other industries.

Farming and agricultural workers represent approximately 1% of the workforce in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, this industry has the highest workplace fatality rate of all others. 

Farmers, like any worker, should be properly compensated for their injuries if they were involved in an incident that was not their fault. Seeking personal injury compensation after an animal handling incident, an injury caused by farm equipment, or an injury caused by driving a farm vehicle, is how an employee might look to recover both financially and physically from an incident.  

Serious Statistics Show NI Farm Workers are at Risk of Workplace Injuries

Farming and agriculture is a dangerous industry which has a long history of high fatality rates in Northern Ireland. During the period 2023-2024 there were 8 accidents in this sector which resulted in a workplace death. Of the total of 17 workplace deaths during that same period, farming and agricultural incidents represent 47% of all workplace fatalities.

Speaking at the 12th annual Farm Safety Week in July 2024, Robert Kidd, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said that the agriculture industry had “once again proved to have the poorest safety record of any industry in Northern Ireland.”

Mr Kidd added that thousands of farmers suffered every day due to serious injuries, long term health complaints, and poor mental health.

Common Types of Farming Accidents

There are common types of personal injury which farm workers experience. Falling from height is a common accident on a farm. Stacking hay bales and operating heavy machinery can result in trapped body parts. Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are not uncommon.

Amputations, loss of limbs, animal handling incidents, and machinery operating are all common causes of agricultural accidents. Slips, trips, and falls are all common on the farm as are catastrophic injuries which can result in death.

Farming and Agricultural Work Accidents Go Beyond Physical Injuries

Here at Lacey Solicitors firm we understand the devastation that a farming injury can have on families. Physical injuries caused by faulty machinery or heavy farming equipment are incredibly difficult to deal with. However, farm trips, slips, falls, or other accidents also can have a lasting impact which goes beyond physical health.

Farmers who have long term health problems after an injury can lose income due to their limited mobility. This can have a knock-on effect on their mental health, leaving them unable to fully provide for their families which leads to financial instability. Seeking compensation for your personal injury at work on the farm could ensure you and your family are protected, should the worst happen.

Bring a Claim for Compensation to Cover the Cost of Farming Injuries

Have you been injured due to an accident on a farm? Do you work in the agriculture sector and need a trusted source to turn to for advice regarding how to bring a claim for compensation to cover the cost of your injuries after an accident?

Lacey Solicitors Belfast are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your options in bringing a compensation claim after your workplace accident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What You Should Know About NI Work Accident Claims

NI work accidents occur when your employer fails to make your workplace a safe working environment. Work accidents can have serious repercussions, leaving you unable to work, losing income and in pain.

Making a claim for compensation will help you recover your losses after a trip, fall, fall from height, manual handling accident, or any other form of accident at work. Lacey Solicitors are an experienced team able to provide you with representation to guide you through your work accident claim.

Here is what you need to know about NI work accident compensation claims before you begin.

Eligibility: Are You Eligible for a Work Accident Claim?

Before you can bring a claim for compensation after an accident at work, you must meet the conditions which make you eligible. Firstly, you must make the claim within three years of the date of the workplace accident. Next, you must prove that your accident happened due to a third party’s negligence.

What Compensation Can You Get for a Work Accident in Belfast?

Medical expenses, any lost income, and the price allocated to your pain and suffering are all considered when you make a claim for compensation after an accident at work. The level of compensation awarded to you in respect to your pain and suffering varies but is designed to measure the hardships you have endured thanks to your NI/Belfast accident.

What is the Process for Making a Claim for Work Accidents in NI?

From Antrim to Fermanagh the process for making a claim for compensation after a workplace accident in NI is the same. The process for making a claim is as follows:

  •       Make yourself safe
  •       Seek medical attention
  •       Report your accident, including using an accident book to record it within the workplace.
  •       Contact a work accident claims solicitor near you
  •       The solicitor will investigate further
  •       You will go through a medical assessment to review your ongoing needs.
  •       You will enter into negotiations with the third party – this part is why you need that solicitor.
  •       You may go to court, you may settle out of court
  •       You will receive compensation for your claim if you succeed

No Win, No Fee Work Accident Claims?

Unfortunately, no win, no fee agreements are prohibited within Northern Ireland. While no win, no fee compensation claims might be the norm in England and Wales, they do not apply in Northern Ireland.

If you are successful in your claim, then your court or solicitor costs will be covered by the other party involved. This means it is always worthwhile making a claim for compensation after an accident at work. Consult a solicitor to discuss whether or not it is worthwhile making a claim.

Experienced Work Accident Claim Solicitors Near You

Do you live in Belfast? Are you a resident in Northern Ireland? Whether you live in Armagh or Derry you can find the help you need through Lacey Solicitors. We can give you expert guidance and insider knowledge on how to proceed after an accident at work. If you have been injured by a work vehicle, have mishandled hazardous substances due to lack of training, or are injured using poorly maintained equipment, you may be eligible to make a claim. Contact Lacey Solicitors to discuss your options.