How a LOLER inspection can save lives in farming 

According to the HSE, agriculture continues to be the UK’s most dangerous industry to work in, accounting for one in every five workplace fatalities. But with just a few changes to the way the industry approaches inspections, the risk of machinery failure and accidents are significantly reduced. 

Alarming death toll figures 

Moving vehicles cause the largest number of deaths in British farming — that's a fact. Of all fatal injuries in the sector in the last 5 years, moving farm vehicles and machinery make up for 30% of them. 

That’s where the PUWER aspect of a Thorough Examination comes in (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) which checks all non-lifting, but safety critical components including seat restraints, brakes, traction systems, and wheels.  

Both LOLER and PUWER checks are crucial for truly thorough examinations but especially in the agriculture industry where fatal and serious injuries occur 21 times more often than average. 

What more can you do? 

We find that these statistics are often met with the reply ‘we’ve never had an accident here’ or ‘well we’ve always done it that way so why change’.  

But ultimately, the numbers don’t lie. Thankfully, there are plenty of steps employers can take to reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury. Simply by maintaining work equipment, and ensuring it has an up-to-date Thorough Examination, the risk of mechanical failure and injury can be reduced. It’s also just as important to ensure these defects receive attention after an inspection. Just having an examination carried out isn’t enough. 

These inspections must be carried out at least once a year but exceptional circumstances and arduous environments such as agriculture can require more frequent checks. Aside from regular inspections, it’s crucial that they are carried out by a CFTS accredited competent person – who are all experienced service engineers. It’s your guarantee that all relevant parts of your machinery are being checked. 

Low tolerance, sky high fines 

As well as protecting yourself and employees from serious and fatal injury, a CFTS Thorough Examination will keep you covered from HSE investigation and prosecution. 

After an incident, they will follow up – that’s a fact. And because they have a conviction rate of 94% it’s almost a guarantee that you will face a hefty fine often in the six-figure range since it is calculated on a percentage of your turnover.  

These fines are enough to put companies out of business and employees out of a job. For the sake of having a Thorough Examination done on time by a CFTS accredited provider, there is no reason to risk prosecution. 

Always more to do 

Fortunately, in the last few years we have seen progress. As reported by NFU Mutual, farm accident claims have reduced marginally, and the number of reported serious injuries has dropped.  

We also saw progress on our recent trip to LAMMA 2026 where we noticed wider knowledge and acceptance of the need for safety precautions and Thorough Examinations in the agriculture industry. Visitors to our stand were less complacent and dismissive, and we noticed a positive trend from previous years. 

But incidents involving moving vehicles and trapped body parts still dominate the statistics. Incidents that a Thorough Examination could help avoid. 

For assurance that you are looking after your employees and your business, get your inspections from a CFTS-accredited Competent Person. The CFTS mark is your guarantee that key components will be checked, and you are doing your bit to prevent serious and fatal incidents. 

Find your local Competent Person here - CFTS Thorough Examination -