‘Don’t be Next’ – farmers urged to prioritise safety after recent 19 deaths
11th October 2025
In response to 19 fatalities in the farming industry since 1st April 2025, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has expanded its existing safety campaign, launching bold, high-impact visual stickers to remind farmers that safety must always come first.
The association explained that the campaign aims at encouraging farmers to talk about safety, think about safety and stop taking unnecessary risks. Each cap in the images symbolises a life lost.
A spokesperson for NAAC said: “Every year we kill an average of two children, and sadly since the 1st April 2025, there have been 19 fatalities, including two children, notified by HSE.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have tragically lost loved ones in the past six months, and we need to prevent other families from experiencing such loss.
“We need the entire sector to work together and remind each other that we are all vital to our family, friends and businesses. As tempting as a shortcut may seem at the time, safety mistakes generally come at great expense: emotional, financial and practical. If you are trying to save time or money, the only route is the safe route.”
Visual reminder to stay safe
The NAAC team added that no-one goes out in the morning expecting an incident to happen, but it happens to someone. 19 times since 1st April this year.
“Whilst we shouldn’t worry unduly about safety, we must build a culture where we talk about it, think about it constructively, discuss it with our teams and take practical, preventative action.
“Most importantly, we must plan our operations carefully, mentally risk-assessing every element of the work and ensuring safe systems of work are put into practice. It’s about organising tasks so they are carried out using appropriate equipment, whilst ensuring those carrying out tasks are trained and competent and understand how to carry out the job safely,” they added.
The NAAC asks that agricultural contractors, farmers and the wider industry come together to use the stickers as a visual reminder anywhere that will prompt action to stay safe.
This might be a reminder to wear a helmet when riding a quad bike, make sure PTO guards are always in place or switch off a machine before clearing a blockage.
Obtain free stickers here.
The display of the images will be featured on the NAAC stand at the Midlands Machinery Show in November and again in January at LAMMA.
Read more farm safety news.
