Incident Summary:
Date: 10 March 2026
Location: Devon
Incident type: Struck by (Slurry Pipe)
Fatal Notification 2026-05 - Struck by (Slurry Pipe)
Initial reports indicate a worker was killed after being struck by a section of pipe used in an umbilical slurry spreading system. Slurry is commonly applied to farm fields and the risks involved in slurry spreading must be properly assessed and managed.
Key Safety Messages:
Assess the risks when spreading slurry and ensure that everyone involved understands them
Establish a safe system of work for slurry spreading and pipe cleaning, communicate this to workers and ensure it is followed
Ensure all machinery used in slurry spreading is properly maintained and in good working order
Ensure workers are properly trained and competent to operate slurry spreading machinery and equipment
Maintain clear communication between the worker carrying out spreading in the filed and the worker operating the slurry pump
Ensure the pump is shut down, the tractor turned off and pipes are no longer under pressure before attempting to disconnect them
Allow pipes to drain properly once they are no longer under pressure
Guidance on managing slurry farms can be found in the HSE’s free leaflets: