Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

There has been a large drop in the number of deaths in the agricultural industry over the 12 months to March 31st 2009, according to new data.

Fatal injuries in the sector fell to 26 over the 12 months, from 46 in the previous year and equal to a rate of 5.7 per cent for every 100,000 employees, figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show.

Total deaths across all sectors fell to a record low of 180 workers - equal to a rate of 0.6 per cent per 100,000 employees.

This is down from 233 in the previous period in 2007-08 and marks the third consecutive year of decline.

Commenting on the drop, HSE chair Judith Hackitt said that the reduction is expected during an economic downturn.

She said: "Work-related ill health is a significant problem and accounts for four times more working days lost than workplace injury, so there is still a major challenge.

"When those running organisations show personal leadership, and when workers are involved in tackling the risks that they face, safety can be improved and lives saved."

The new figures come only weeks after the HSE issued a warning to farmers over the dangers of agricultural sector vehicles being misused, following an incident in West Yorkshire.