The study, conducted by Fundación Mapfre, the Public University of Navarra, and the Laboratory of Agricultural and Industrial Machinery at the University of Zaragoza, analyzes agricultural accidents across Spain. In Catalonia, 107 fatalities have been recorded during this period, representing 7.6% of the national total. Girona is the Catalan province with the fewest deaths, behind Lleida (40), Tarragona (37), and Barcelona (19).
Nationally, fatal accidents involving agricultural machinery are concentrated mainly in the northwestern coast, the Mediterranean coast, and the Ebro valley. A Coruña province leads the ranking with 92 fatalities, followed by Lugo (73) and Pontevedra (72). Girona, despite being far from the main hotspots, has recorded eleven fatalities over fourteen years.
Across Spain, the agricultural sector registered 1,620 deaths between 2010 and 2023, an average of 116 annually. 87% of cases involved agricultural machinery, with tractors being the primary cause, accounting for 1,141 fatal accidents. Tractor rollovers are the most frequent incident, representing 57% of fatal machinery accidents.
Common causes include slopes, road departures, and imprudence. Agricultural tasks, driving, and maintenance are the most dangerous activities. The report also indicates that 94% of victims were men, with an average age of 59.8 years, and a significant concentration of individuals over 65.
The study's authors highlight that many of these accidents are not adequately reflected in official occupational accident statistics, as they exclude self-employed workers, family members helping out, retirees, or those with small holdings. Some incidents involving tractors and machines are also registered as traffic accidents.
The report also addresses the risk of fires caused by harvesters and balers, mainly due to plant debris contacting hot machine parts or mechanical failures. Prevention measures include renewing machinery, enhancing training, and increasing equipment inspections.
