Probe launched after farmworker dies in machinery accident
© Adobe Stock An investigation is under way after a farmworker aged in his 30s died following an accident involving farm machinery in Cornwall.
In an initial notification released this week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that the worker was “trapped and killed by agricultural machinery”.
Police, paramedics and the air ambulance were called to a field near Trispen, near Truro, at about 7.30am on Thursday 11 April. It is understood the site is linked to Southern England Farms, a major vegetable grower in the South West.
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A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Officers, along with the air ambulance, attended the scene where a male in his 30s was pronounced deceased.
“His next of kin has been informed. Police and Health and Safety Executive are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “We were called at 7.09am on Thursday 11 April to an incident near Truro. We sent one air ambulance, one critical care car, three double-crewed land ambulances, one doctor and two operations officers to the scene.”
The death is the first fatal injury on a farm in Great Britain since the start of the new financial year, after Farmers Weekly reported that 32 people lost their lives following farm accidents in the previous financial year (April 2023 to March 2024).
Three of those fatalities were connected to the use of machinery and a further 12 to transport.
The HSE has issued guidance on the safe use and maintenance of machinery, including checks and adjustments in the field, which it says “is a significant cause of death and serious injury on farms”.
HSE guidance on machinery maintenance
The Health and Safety Executive has re-issued guidance on the maintenance of machinery following this tragic incident.
Before approaching any moving parts, or starting any maintenance task, follow the safe stop procedure: handbrake on; controls in neutral; engine off; and keys out.
Make sure:
- Maintenance or adjustments are carried out by someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work safely
- Any stored energy is released – such as in springs, compressors or hydraulics – that could cause parts of the machine to move
- Parts of the equipment that could fall or move are secured
- Plant and equipment is maintained regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions
- There are procedures in place for anyone to report damaged or faulty equipment.