Agriculture
Work in agriculture involves a number of risks Working with animals, manure pits and machinery is particularly risky. There is also a high risk of falls. Fatal accidents are more common in agriculture than in almost any other industry.
A farm is often also a family home, and there is a risk of children getting hurt when they move around in their home environment. Every year, an average of four children die after being hit by tractors.
Common risks in working in agriculture
Certain risks are particularly common in agricultural work:
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Falls are often caused by slippery surfaces. A large part of the work on a farm takes place outdoors, which makes the risk of fall injuries greater in winter, when there may be ice and snow.
In feed areas and other places there may be ladders, which can lead to falls.
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Working with animals involves risks, for example because you could be kicked when loading animals into an animal transport vehicle. Heifers released onto summer pastures can knock you over.
You can read more on our pages about working with animals. -
Many occupational injuries are directly related to machinery. For example, you could suffer crushing injuries, get your clothes caught in rotating parts, or have the machine start when it wasn't intended, for example when you are doing maintenance. For example, farmers have died when they were inside a feed mixer that had started.
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Falling into a manure pit can be life-threatening for both humans and animals, especially if there is no ladder or other means of climbing up.
Prevent risks with systematic work environment management and knowledge
To prevent the risk of accidents, you as an employer must prioritise systematic work environment management. This means investigating, finding and fixing deficiencies before an accident occurs. If accidents do occur, you must be prepared to handle them.
Ensure everyone has the knowledge and necessary instructions
As an employer, you must also ensure that the people responsible for a task also have sufficient authority, resources and knowledge to be able to live up to their responsibilities.
Particularly risky tasks may require special training. There should be instructions for those tasks. This may, for example, apply to work in silos, working at heights and construction work.
Manufacturers should have preventive installations and devices
Risks with machinery can often be prevented at the design and manufacturing stage and through correct installation. Therefore, be careful when purchasing machines and installing them.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and buy CE marked machinery
All machinery in Sweden must meet the basic health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive/Machinery Regulation (applies from 20 January 2027). The manufacturer certifies conformity through the CE marking. Older machines that were placed on the market before 1 January 1995 do not need to have CE marking.
To use machines that were placed on the market before 1995, the Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions and general guidelines (AFS 2023:11) on work equipment and personal protective equipment - safe use, Chapter 2, apply.
For manure pits, the best way to avoid accidents is to have the manure pit properly fenced.
Also, the pit can best be designed so that it is possible to get out of it if an accident occurs.
Prepare to handle accidents
As an employer, you must ensure that everyone in the workplace knows how first aid and crisis support is organised at the workplace, i.e. the assistance measures that you must implement immediately if a person becomes injured or acutely ill.
First aid may involve
- keeping a person alive until the ambulance arrives
- immediately flushing the eyes if someone has been splashed with a corrosive substance
- ensuring that the injured or sick person receives care.
As an employer, you must ensure that there are the necessary preparedness and procedures for first aid and crisis support at the workplace, taking into account the nature, scope and specific risks of the activity.
The employer is responsible for the work environment
As an employer, you are responsible for the work environment at your workplace. This means that you are responsible for the work environment for everyone who ever works for you, even people who temporarily work on the farm. These could include, for example, substitutes, farriers, veterinarians and other assistants. Even if you are self-employed without employees, you are responsible for the work environment on your farm.
Employees and safety representatives are important for a good work environment
Employees and safety representatives have an important role in work environment management. As an employer, you must give all employees the opportunity to participate in work environment management. For example, you can let employees suggest measures or provide feedback on measures you have implemented.
Employees' participation in work environment management
As an employee, you must participate in work environment management and participate in implementing the measures needed to achieve a good work environment. You must follow the employer's instructions. You must also report to your employer or your safety representative if the work involves immediate and serious danger to life or health.
Last updated 2025-12-15