Towards the end of 2025, the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) published its latest annual statistics, alongside its 50th anniversary report, which together provided a detailed and at times sobering view of workplace health and safety across Great Britain. While the long-term trend in physical safety continues to improve, the overall picture highlights a shifting risk landscape — one that is highly relevant to the agriculture sector.
Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous sectors in the UK, and the HSE’s findings underline the need for farmers and rural businesses to take a proactive approach to health and safety in 2026.
Mental Health: A Growing Challenge for Rural Workforces
A standout issue from the latest data is the significant rise in mental health-related absences, with 964,000 reported cases of stress, depression, or anxiety attributed to work, up from 776,000 the previous year. This trend will be of concern to the sector — farming communities face unique pressures, including isolation, financial uncertainty, and seasonal workload peaks, which contribute to mental health issues.
The upward trajectory of mental health related absences means mental health can no longer be treated as a secondary concern to workplace safety. Improving work related mental health should be forefront in any employer’s mind. Practical steps such as stress risk assessments, clear workload planning, and access to support networks are critical. In 2026, expect greater scrutiny of how rural businesses manage these risks, as the HSE focus on proactive inspections of duty holders on such matters shows no sign of abating.
Physical Risks: Agriculture Still High on the Risk Register
While fatal injuries across all sectors continue to decline, agriculture consistently records one of the highest fatality rates. Common causes include falls from height, vehicle overturns, and machinery entanglement. These risks demand ongoing vigilance.
Musculoskeletal disorders also remain a concern, with 511,000 cases reported across all sectors. For agriculture, repetitive manual tasks, heavy lifting, and awkward postures are key contributors. Employers should review ergonomic practices and invest in equipment that reduces strain.
Enforcement: Targeted Action in High-Risk Sectors
The HSE’s enforcement activity remains robust:
- 246 prosecutions with a 96% conviction rate
- Over £33 million in fines
- 13,200 inspections completed
Agriculture is firmly in the HSE’s sights as a high-risk sector. Inspections are increasingly data-driven and intelligence-led, meaning farms with poor compliance records or visible safety gaps are more likely to be targeted. It is important as a business that you take steps now to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and critically that you can demonstrate through documented evidence the set up and implementation of safe systems of work.
Ill Health as the Central Challenge
Work-related ill health — including mental health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders — now accounts for over 40 million lost working days. For agriculture, this translates into real operational and financial impact, especially during peak seasons when labour shortages can disrupt production.
The HSE’s message is clear: health is as important as safety, and the increasing number of reported health issues is a concern to all.
Key Priorities for Employers in the Agricultural sector in 2026
- Strengthen Mental Health Risk Management
Develop, implement and document clear strategies for identifying and managing stress related risks, including seasonal workload planning and access to support. - Leadership Visibility and Engagement
Demonstrate commitment to health and safety at senior level through active engagement. - Maintain Control for High-Risk Activities
Focus needs to remain on falls from height and vehicle and machinery related risks - Address Musculoskeletal Risks
Review manual handling practices and update assessments. - Be Inspection-Ready
With more than 13,000 proactive inspections carried out last year, be ready for HSE to call at any time – be prepared to share documentation to demonstrate compliance, in respect of risks to health as well as safety.
What Does This Mean for Agriculture?
The HSE’s 2024/25 statistics offer a clear warning: while progress on physical safety is encouraging, the growing burden of work-related ill health — particularly mental health — cannot be ignored. For agriculture, where physical hazards remain acute and mental health pressures are rising, a proactive, evidence-based approach is essential.
Employers who combine strong traditional safety controls with decisive action on health and wellbeing will be best placed to protect their workforce and sustain productivity in the year ahead -and will be ready and prepared should an HSE Inspector call!
If you require advice on any health and safety issues please contact Brodies Health and Safety team.
Contributors
Partner & Solicitor Advocate
Senior Solicitor
