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

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

Annual incidence of death was calculated. Demographic and contextual information were extracted, and data stratified by whether the victim was a farmer or member of the public. Statistical comparisons were made using Chi² 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.