Work

Human fatalities associated with livestock in Great Britain (2010–2023)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the incidence, demographics, and context of livestock-related deaths 2010-2023. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive analysis of the Health and Safety Executive's 'Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain' annual reports. METHODS: tests, Fisher's exact test, and Mann Witney U Tests, where appropriate. RESULTS: Out of 78 livestock-related fatalities, 97 % were caused by domestic cattle and 74.3 % were farmers. Median age of all fatalities was 67 (range: 29-87), and 63.4 % were alone at the point of injury. Farmers were predominantly male and tended to be working with individual animals, often in a contained space. All members of the public were killed in fields and 84.2 % had a dog present with them. They were 250 times more likely to have a dog present than farmers (OR = 250, p < 0.001). A calf or per-parturient cow was more likely to be present when a member of the public was killed (OR = 4.3, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cattle-related incidents are a concern and further research is required to enable the development and implementation of effective safety interventions. We recommend that a database of livestock-related injuries is created, measures are introduced so farmers can easily temporarily divert public rights of way, and educational programmes for farmers and the public are developed.

Source: Public Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2025.105965

Authors: Anna Chartres, Jo W.H. Oultram, Alex Royden, Sarah Shanks, John S.P. Tulloch

Institutions: University of Liverpool, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Language: English

Topic: Agriculture and Farm Safety

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,130