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Twelve people died on farms in the first half of the year with agriculture making up 44 per cent of deaths in the workplace.

Two members of the public were also killed on farm from April to June 2023.

Causes of death included coming into contact with electricity, being struck by a moving vehicle, cattle and being trapped by something collapsing.

See also: Man dies following tractor collision

The number of deaths was more than half the amount of people killed in the 12 months from April 2022 to March 2023, which stood at 21.

Tom McNeill, partner at law firm BCL Solicitors said it was a ‘particularly severe quarter' for UK agriculture.

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"This, sadly, reflects an ongoing trend in the sector for having the highest fatal accident rate compared to other industries.

"These latest statistics are a cause for concern for employees as well as farm business owners," he said.

He added farms, like other businesses, needed to meet their health and safety duties.

"Unlimited fines, and imprisonment for individuals, may follow for those who do not. What sets agriculture apart from many other industries is that over half of farms are sole traders and often business owners and managers are involved in day-to-day operations," he said.

"Following a fatal accident this means an increased risk for farmers of being prosecuted for manslaughter; and for farms that are operated through a corporate entity an increased risk of corporate manslaughter."

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For individuals, a manslaughter conviction would likely mean a significant prison sentence but for organisations, corporate manslaughter means higher farms and smaller organisations risk ‘being fined out of existence', Mr McNeill said.

"These risks may have implications for how farmers wish to structure their businesses. Following a fatal accident, it requires a robust defence from the outset.

"A proactive and strategic approach will mitigate the risk of corporate manslaughter, and protect individuals from the risk of prosecution, as well as mitigating health and safety risks for organisations."