Agricultural Safety Compliance: Complete Checklist 2025

Agricultural Safety Compliance: Complete Checklist 2025

Farming is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK, with a fatal injury rate 21 times higher than other sectors. In 2025, new safety regulations aim to reduce risks and improve compliance. Here's what you need to know to protect your workers, meet legal standards, and avoid costly penalties:

• Traceability: Ensure all farm inputs and outputs are tracked.
• Hazardous Substances: Follow updated COSHH rules, including new grain dust exposure limits (10mg/m³ over 8 hours).
• Pesticides: Comply with the UK's Pesticides National Action Plan (NAP) and use proper protective equipment.
• Machinery Safety: Inspect PTO guards daily and follow strict maintenance protocols.
• Biosecurity: Prevent animal diseases with foot dips, quarantine zones, and visitor controls.
• Training: Provide annual health and safety training and maintain detailed records.

Key Updates for 2025:

• DEFRA bans personal meat imports from all EU countries.
• Stricter rules for Precision Bred Organisms (PBOs).
• COSHH e-tool discontinued; migrate assessments by 31 January 2025.
• £2.65 billion allocated for flood protection projects.

Quick Safety Tips:

• Use digital tools for record-keeping and compliance checks.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and inspections.
• Train staff on emergency procedures and safe equipment use.

How to pass a Department of Agriculture farm inspection & what to expect

2025 UK Agricultural Safety Laws

The landscape of agricultural safety in the UK has seen major changes in 2025. Below is a breakdown of the latest updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations to help ensure compliance.

HSE and DEFRA Safety Standards

In a move to strengthen biosecurity measures, DEFRA expanded the ban on personal meat imports from all EU countries in April 2025. This step aims to reduce the risk of foot and mouth disease outbreaks ^[3].

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025 have introduced stricter compliance obligations. Local Authorities in England now have enhanced powers to enforce these rules ^[4]. Farms planning to market Precision Bred Organisms (PBOs) must:

• Obtain confirmation from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
• File marketing notices with DEFRA before proceeding ^[4].

Additionally, the government has allocated £2.65 billion towards flood protection projects to safeguard farmland and rural communities from potential climate-related risks ^[3].

COSHH Updates for 2025

A key update under COSHH is the discontinuation of the COSHH e-tool, effective from 31 January 2025. Farms are required to migrate all existing assessments to alternative systems before this deadline ^[2].

New workplace exposure limits have been introduced, including a cap on grain dust exposure, which is now restricted to 10mg/m³ over an 8-hour time-weighted average ^[5].

The revised COSHH framework outlines four essential steps for compliance:

• Risk Assessments: Identify and evaluate all hazardous substances present on-site.
• Control Measures: Prioritise engineering solutions over personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate risks.
• Regular Monitoring: Continuously assess the effectiveness of control measures and ensure compliance with exposure limits.
• Health Surveillance: Conduct routine health checks for workers exposed to hazardous substances.

For additional support, DEFRA’s farming helpline is available Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5pm. There is also 24/7 access for reporting notifiable animal diseases ^[3].

Farm Equipment Safety Standards

In 2025, ensuring safety in agricultural machinery operations remains a top priority, with stringent regulations in place. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), machinery-related incidents are responsible for 16% of workplace fatalities in agriculture, even though the sector accounts for just 1% of the working population ^[8]. These machinery standards are designed to work alongside broader agricultural safety regulations introduced earlier.

Tractor and PTO Safety Rules

Power Take-Off (PTO) systems are among the most hazardous components in agricultural machinery. Adam Hubbard, an OEM specialist at Kramp UK, highlights the risks involved:

"A PTO shaft can wrap an arm or leg around it nine times in less than a second. A strong person can generate about three-quarters of horsepower, whereas a tractor transmits nearly all of its horsepower into the PTO shaft. There is no contest" ^[6][8].

To mitigate these dangers, the following safety requirements apply to PTO systems:

Component	Safety Requirement	Inspection Interval
PTO Guard	Minimum 50mm overlap when straight	Daily
Drive Shaft	Collar locks required (no push-pins)	Weekly
Guard Chains	Double-backed through D-link	Each use
Profile Tubes	Proper overlap to prevent vibration	Monthly

Before performing maintenance, always follow the Safe Stop procedure:

1. Apply the handbrake.
2. Set controls to neutral.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Remove the key.
5. Wait until all movement has completely stopped ^[6][7].

As machinery safety protocols continue to advance, updated grain storage standards have also been introduced to address specific operational risks.

Grain Storage Safety Requirements

Grain storage facilities must adhere to strict safety protocols to reduce the risks of structural failures, explosions, and entrapment. Monthly inspections should include:

• Examining the exterior for structural integrity.
• Checking seals and gaskets for leaks.
• Assessing ventilation systems.
• Monitoring internal temperatures.
• Managing dust accumulation ^[10].

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) underscores the dangers associated with grain handling:

"The grain handling industry is a high hazard industry where workers can be exposed to numerous serious and life-threatening hazards. These hazards include: fires and explosions from grain dust accumulation, suffocation from engulfment and entrapment in grain bins, falls from heights and crushing injuries and amputations from grain handling equipment" ^[11].

Key safety equipment for grain storage operations includes:

• Hard hats and safety glasses.
• Steel-toed boots.
• Respiratory protection.
• Fall-arrest harnesses for elevated work.
• Emergency rescue tools ^[10].

From 1 January 2025, all new agricultural machinery must display both UKCA and CE markings to meet British safety standards ^[9]. Additionally, operators are required to complete OSHA-certified training in fall protection and lockout/tagout procedures. Digital logs must be maintained to record inspection dates, findings, and supporting images ^[10].

Chemical and Disease Safety

Effective chemical management and disease prevention are cornerstones of agricultural safety compliance in 2025. The UK's progress in cutting down on pesticide active substances highlights how well-implemented safety protocols can make a difference ^[1].

Pesticide Safety Rules

The UK Pesticides National Action Plan (NAP) 2025 requires agricultural businesses to follow strict chemical safety measures. One essential rule: always use the right personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with hazardous chemicals. For high-risk pesticides, workers need to wear full-face respirators, chemical-resistant suits, and nitrile gloves. For less hazardous substances, basic eye and hand protection may suffice. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) emphasises:

"PPE should be used when all other measures are inadequate to control exposure. It protects only the wearer, while being worn. If it fails, PPE offers no protection at all" ^[14].

Chemicals should be stored in designated, well-ventilated spaces equipped with spill containment systems, clear hazard signage, and proper segregation of incompatible materials. Keeping an up-to-date chemical inventory is crucial to meet statutory requirements ^[1]. Alongside these measures, robust biosecurity practices are vital to safeguard animal health.

Animal Disease Prevention

Preventing animal diseases is just as important as managing chemicals. The RSPCA Assured programme advises:

"By integrating good biosecurity as a fundamental aspect of your farm, you will be doing all you can for yourself, your business and your animals" ^[13].

Key biosecurity protocols include:

Zone	Control Measure	Implementation Requirements
Entry Points	Foot dips and tyre washes	Replace solutions daily; maintain accurate logs
Animal Housing	Designated clean/dirty areas	Use clear signage and physical barriers
Quarantine Facilities	Isolation units	Minimum 3–4 week holding period
Visitor Areas	Controlled access points	Keep visitor logs and provide PPE stations

A structured approach to animal health monitoring is essential for effective disease prevention. This includes regular veterinary inspections, maintaining detailed health records, and having clear outbreak management protocols in place. As the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) explains:

"Biosecurity is an integrated approach to analyzing and managing risks to health that includes policy, regulation, and practices to protect agriculture, food and the environment from biological risks" ^[12].

Digital record-keeping systems can be a game-changer here, helping farms monitor animal health, vaccination schedules, visitor activity, cleaning routines, and responses to potential outbreaks. These tools provide a streamlined way to stay on top of biosecurity measures and ensure compliance with regulations.

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Staff Training and Records

Having a well-trained team and keeping thorough records are essential for maintaining safety and meeting agricultural compliance standards.

Required Safety Training

Proper training not only reduces the risk of accidents but also ensures compliance with safety regulations. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), training should focus on practical skills and continuous learning ^[15].

Here are the key training requirements for agricultural workers:

Training Type	Recommended Frequency	Key Focus Areas
Basic Health & Safety	Annual refresher	Identifying workplace hazards and emergency actions
First Aid	Every 3 years	Ensuring a certified first aider is available per shift

The Farm Workers Health and Safety Training course (£19.99) provides employees with essential knowledge through video tutorials and hands-on assessments ^[16].

"Training means helping people to learn how to do something, telling people what they should or (often as important) should not do, or simply giving them information. Training isn't just about formal 'classroom' courses and obtaining 'tickets' (certificates) to work" ^[15].

Keeping detailed records of all training activities not only demonstrates compliance but also helps identify opportunities for improving safety measures.

Safety Records Management

In addition to effective training, maintaining accurate records is key to meeting HSE requirements ^[18].

Here’s what to keep track of:

• Training Records
  Include dates, certification details, and renewal deadlines. Using digital tools can simplify access during inspections.

• Equipment Inspection Logs
  Record inspection dates, any issues found, maintenance actions taken, and operator authorisations.

• Incident Reports
  Documenting incidents helps pinpoint areas needing improvement. These reports should contain:

  • A clear description of the incident
  • Actions taken in response
  • Preventive steps implemented
  • Any follow-up training provided

"Providing health & safety information and training helps you to: Ensure you or your employees are not injured or made ill by the work they do; Develop a positive health & safety culture, where safe & healthy working becomes second nature to everyone; Find out how you could manage health & safety better; Meet your legal duty to protect the health & safety of your employees." ^[15]

Regularly reviewing training records, equipment logs, and incident reports is crucial. Annual refresher sessions ensure employees stay informed about the latest safety protocols and help maintain compliance with regulations ^[18].

Conclusion

Agricultural safety compliance in 2025 requires a well-rounded strategy. As highlighted earlier, managing compliance effectively revolves around three key pillars:

Pillar	Key Requirements	Implementation Tools
Risk Management	Regular assessments, hazard checks	Digital checklists, expert consultations
Infrastructure Safety	Building upkeep, welfare facilities	Inspection logs, maintenance schedules
Personnel Development	Staff training, safety awareness	Training records, certification tracking

These pillars translate into actionable steps that every farm operator should prioritise:

• Conducting regular risk assessments in line with updated HSE standards.
• Implementing digital systems to simplify safety management and record-keeping.
• Organising comprehensive training programmes to enhance safety awareness.
• Ensuring proper storage of hazardous materials to minimise risks.
• Establishing clear emergency procedures and maintaining visible signage.

Farmers must also pay close attention to facility standards, such as ensuring proper ventilation in confined spaces and providing suitable welfare amenities for workers. Additionally, legal requirements mandate notifying the local Fire & Rescue Service when storing dangerous substances exceeding 25 tonnes or ammonium nitrate over 150 tonnes ^[17].

FAQs

What steps should farms take to meet the updated COSHH regulations by 2025?

To align with the updated Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations set to take effect in 2025, farms should take the following steps:

• Identify and assess risks: Start by listing all hazardous substances used on the farm. Then, evaluate how these substances might impact workers' health. This could include anything from chemicals to dust particles.

• Control exposure: Wherever possible, replace or eliminate hazardous materials. If that’s not an option, focus on reducing exposure through safer work practices, engineering solutions like extraction systems, or limiting the time workers are exposed.

• Maintain and monitor: Regular checks are essential to ensure safety measures are effective and functioning as intended. For workers exposed to harmful substances, such as dust or chemicals, health surveillance should also be part of the routine.

• Train staff: Make sure everyone on the team understands the risks and knows how to follow safety procedures properly.

Taking these steps helps farms not only meet COSHH requirements but also create a healthier and safer workplace for their teams.

What are the best ways for farms to implement biosecurity measures and prevent animal diseases under the 2025 safety guidelines?

Implementing Biosecurity Measures Under the 2025 Safety Guidelines

To stay ahead of the 2025 safety guidelines, farms need to prioritise stopping diseases before they start. This means managing how animals, people, and equipment move - both within the farm and between different locations. It’s also important to limit access to only essential visitors and ensure that entry points, parking areas, and storage spaces are kept spotless.

Keeping animal housing clean and well-ventilated is another key step, along with providing a steady supply of fresh drinking water. Regular pest control and properly disposing of fallen stock are equally important for maintaining hygiene. Partnering with a vet to create a health plan is a smart move, especially when it comes to isolating new or returning animals to watch for any signs of illness.

These measures not only safeguard the wellbeing of livestock but also help farms align with the latest regulations, reducing potential risks to both animals and livelihoods.

What are the best digital tools to help agricultural businesses comply with 2025 safety standards?

Digital tools are becoming increasingly important for agricultural businesses aiming to meet the 2025 safety standards. Take inspection checklist apps, for instance. These apps let teams document workplace conditions, spot hazards, and assign corrective actions straight from a mobile device. They make record-keeping easier and help ensure no detail is missed.

On top of that, health and safety management software offers a way to simplify compliance processes. By centralising key data, scheduling inspections, and tracking progress towards safety goals, these tools provide a clear, organised approach to managing safety. When agricultural businesses incorporate these digital solutions into their routines, they can tackle risks more effectively and stay aligned with HSE standards.