A risk management specialist is urging the region's farmers not to relax safety standards after official figures revealed a drop in the number of work-related fatal injuries in the British agricultural industry – with two deaths across the North West.

Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that 21 people were killed in the agriculture sector in 2022/23 – two fewer than last year.

Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services, said: "The drop in the number of fatalities is encouraging, but I would urge those who work in the industry to remain vigilant, and to avoid becoming complacent.

"Agriculture is a dangerous industry to work in, coming second only to construction in the number of annual fatalities."

A third of all fatal injuries in agriculture were caused by people coming into contact with cattle. This was followed by being struck by an object/falling from height, contact with machinery/contact with a stationary or fixed object, and contact with a moving vehicle/being trapped by something collapsing.

Among the regional fatalities was a 61-year-old farm worker, killed at a Penrith poultry farm when he came into contact with machinery.

Cormack said: "Over the last five years, 64 per cent of all fatalities in the sector involved the self-employed. This suggests that although employers may be conscientious about health and safety measures and training for their staff, they are not giving their own personal safety enough attention.

"The 'cost-of-business' crisis is putting a lot of pressure on the agricultural industry, and there could be a danger that in order to make savings, or to save time, some people may be tempted to take risks. This could leave families devastated, and businesses ruined.

"Some fatalities can be attributed to freak accidents, but others could be avoided by adopting a more rigorous approach to safety. Risk assessments should be thorough, all appropriate training should be undertaken, and safety policies should be implemented."