NFU Mutual warns against cutting corners during silage harvest

Farmers are being warned not to cut corners on machinery maintenance ahead of silage season after new figures showed vehicle and machinery incidents remain among the leading causes of deaths in agriculture.

NFU Mutual has issued fresh safety guidance ahead of first-cut silage making, urging farmers to properly service machinery, brief staff on hazards and avoid rushed working practices during one of the busiest periods of the farming calendar.

Latest Health and Safety Executive figures show being struck by a moving vehicle accounted for 23% of workplace deaths in agriculture during 2024-25, while contact with moving machinery was linked to a further 16% of fatalities.

The insurer said forage harvesters, mowers and trailers are often left unused for months before silage season begins, increasing the importance of thorough checks before work gets underway.

Bob Henderson, NFU Mutual’s head of engineering, said accidents were more likely when machinery was overworked or operators became fatigued.

“On most farms the forage harvesters, mowers and trailers won’t have been used for six months, so it’s vital that kit is thoroughly overhauled, serviced and checked for safety,” he said.

“Accidents tend to happen when people are tired, machinery is pushed too hard, or work continues in unfavourable conditions.”

Silage making often coincides with lambing, turnout and long working hours, increasing pressure on farm staff during busy periods.

Evita Van Gestel, of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services, said farmers should make time to prepare machinery and inspect fields before harvesting begins.

“However, it’s important to find time to get machinery ready and walk the fields to check for wet patches and hidden objects which can damage mowers and harvesters,” she said.

Van Gestel added that briefing staff on field and road hazards, as well as ensuring operators were familiar with machinery, remained essential for safe working.

NFU Mutual’s guidance advises farmers to inspect tyres, brakes, lights and trailer loads before harvesting begins, while also making sure lone workers can remain in contact at all times.

The insurer also stressed the importance of following “Safe Stop” procedures by fully applying handbrakes, stopping engines and removing keys before leaving machinery or attempting maintenance work.

NFU Mutual warned farmers to check for overhead power lines, avoid overloading trailers and regularly clear mud from roads during harvesting operations. Drivers were also urged to watch carefully for vehicles following behind before turning into fields or yards, which remains a common cause of accidents.

The guidance also highlights the importance of being aware of walkers using public rights of way through fields, while workers are encouraged to carry mobile phones and take regular breaks to reduce fatigue.

NFU Mutual warned silage clamps remained one of the highest-risk areas during harvest, particularly where overfilled clamps increase the danger of vehicle overturns.

The insurer also cautioned against entering indoor clamps during the first 72 hours because of the danger posed by nitrogen dioxide gas.

Henderson said rising red diesel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East were also adding financial pressure to farm businesses during harvest.

“This year, war in the Middle East has led to red diesel prices roughly doubling, adding to the financial pressures that farmers are facing,” he said.

“In these circumstances there’s an understandable desire to keep costs down – but skimping on maintenance can put safe working at risk and increase the likelihood of time-consuming breakdowns.”

NFU Mutual said careful planning, regular maintenance and avoiding rushed working practices would be critical to keeping silage-making safe during the busy harvest period.