FARMERS in the south are being urged to take extra care after four fatal accidents in the region in just 12 months.

Figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that 33 people across Britain were killed in agriculture in 2017/18 – three more than in the previous year.

The figures are said to have further cemented agriculture’s reputation as the country's most hazardous industry.

Johnny Denman, of rural insurance specialist Lycetts, said: “Agriculture’s high fatality rate significantly outstrips that of other industries.

“It’s more than five times higher than the second most-risky industry, construction, which really drives home just how hazardous an industry it is.

“Farmers face potentially fatal risks on a daily basis, from working with unpredictable animals to potentially dangerous machinery, so protecting personal and employee health should be top priority.

“Sadly, members of the public, family members and children living on the farm also get caught up in incidents and account for some of the deaths.

“It’s clear the burden of keeping farms safe is a heavy, but necessary one, with no room for error.

“There have been great strides with regards to health and safety over the past decades, with the number of fatal injuries to workers in agriculture falling by around half since 1981 – but we still have a huge way to go.”

Recent accidents in the south east include an 80-year-old man who was attacked by cattle while walking his dogs along a footpath.

He was in a field when one of the cows attacked his dog. As he attempted a rescue, he was butted and trampled to death.

In other incidents a 74-year-old self-employed farmer died from serious head injuries after falling from a bale, a 68-year-old farm partner was crushed to death after being run over by a vehicle reversing in the farm yard and a 67-year-old farm worker was struck by a falling beam.

None of the incidents occurred in Hampshire.

Richard Wade, of Lycetts Risk Management Services, said: “Some deaths are a result of freak accidents but others are preventable.

“By implementing health and safety policies, carrying out robust risk assessments and undertaking health and safety training, farmers can ensure good practice is an integral part of their business, creating a safer environment for them, their workers and the wider community.

“Death and injury can have a devastating impact on family and friends, so the value of doing so is immeasurable.”