A THREE-YEAR-OLD child lost their life when they were hit by a vehicle at a firewood processing business. 

The boy was struck by a tractor on a site in the north-west of England, suffering fatal injuries. 

His death, which is currently being investigated by the coroner, was the only one related to forestry between April 2022 and March 2023. 

READ MORE: Three forestry fatalities in work-related accidents, annual figures show

According to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) 'Summary of fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain', none of the 21 worker deaths in the three sectors last year occurred in the industry. Six members of the public, including the child, lost their lives in agriculture-related incidents. 

This is the first time in several years the official report has recorded no forestry worker deaths. However, as we have reported previously, investigations remain ongoing into several fatal events in 2022, including a man who was trapped inside a firewood processor. 

Speaking of the figures as a whole, Sue Thompson, head of agriculture, Health & Safety Executive, said: “It is disappointing that yet again so many farming families and communities are left devastated when their loved ones are killed or suffer life changing illnesses caused by work.

“The number of fatalities remains stubbornly high and the rate of workplace fatal injury in agriculture still remains the highest of any sector.

READ MORE: Forestry listed among highest rate of deaths from work-related accidents

“Agriculture is a vital part of the UK economy and it is not acceptable that it continues to fall short when it comes to managing risk in the workplace. 

"It is all the more tragic that we still see children killed by farming activities. It’s time to think differently and not tolerate this any longer. Children must not be in farm workplace.

“We need everyone to play their part to improve the culture and change the poor behaviours we see far too frequently.”

Figures released by the HSE earlier this month showed there were 7.87 fatal incidents in agriculture, forestry and fishing per 100,000 workers – around three more than second-ranked waste.