Earlier this year we reported on the dangers faced by farmworkers in the UK – in the year 2017/18, there were 33 fatalities in farming and agricultural related accidents. This figure signifies that the farming industry has the highest number of fatalities of any industry in the UK.

 In Lincolnshire, we are used to seeing roads slowed down as farmers transport their crops and haul bales down A-roads without realising just how dangerous the work they do is.

 We were deeply saddened to learn of a young man from Lincolnshire who passed away in November 2018 following a catastrophic head injury just days after starting work for a local farm; our thoughts are with his family.

 The young man was struck by a bale of hay that fell from the back of a trailer he was assisting with loading. Witness reports state that he had repeatedly questioned whether some of the bales in question were not stacked safely. A bale weighs roughly 400kg – that is over 62 stone.

 ’It is incredibly important that lessons are learned from these incidents, not only is agriculture the leading sector for in-work fatalities, it also has the highest level of work-based injuries.

 HSE reports indicate at least 27 deaths related to baling and bale handling since 2000, including 18 caused by falling bales – that number will, of course, be higher now.

 Is it time for us to look at the way we store and transport hay for the sake of our agricultural workers who are being put at risk through the manual handling of these bulky and incredibly heavy products? We certainly think it is worth reviewing.

 Kathryn Hudson is a specialist personal injury lawyer based in Lincolnshire and the leading expert in agricultural injuries; “growing up in Lincolnshire we are all familiar with the large round bales you see on the backs of trailers and in farmers’ fields, but unfamiliar with the danger and risks moving them they can present.”

 “Too many people are dying due to farming injuries and the lives of their families and friends are shattered as a consequence”.

 If you have been injured at work then our team can offer practical straightforward advice – we offer a no-obligation consultation that will determine whether or not you have a strong enough case to proceed with. We secure compensation for injured individuals and bereaved family members, and we can also represent families at the inquest when required.

 Get in touch with Bridge McFarland LLP today for more information about our services and how we can help you, call 01472 311 711 or get in touch through our website.