There could be an increase in the number of compensation claims relating to agriculture workers in Scotland, as recent research has revealed that the majority of Scots killed at work were employed in the sector.
A total of 15 workplace fatalities occurred in Scotland between April 2010 and March 2011, and, of these, nine were in the agriculture arena.
Families of those who lost their lives might want to look into a compensation claim to see if they are entitled to any payouts following a relative's death.
Fortunately the fatality rate across the UK remains low at 0.7 per 100,000 over the past five years. However, this is substantially higher in agriculture at 9.6 per 100,000.
Paul Stollard, head of the Health and Safety Executive in Scotland, commented: “Agriculture is still one of the most dangerous professions in Britain and the Scottish fatality statistics sadly support this fact.
“What is most frustrating is that the causes of incidents remain stubbornly the same such as falls from height and overturned vehicles. These incidents can be avoided, often through simple, low-cost steps," he added.
Mr Stollard went on to say that everyone in the business has a “role to play in reducing death and injury”.