Farming is the backbone of Australia’s economy and rural communities, but it remains one of the country’s most high-risk industries.
The 2024 Safer Farms Report provides crucial insights into farm safety trends and offers practical recommendations to reduce risks. This article breaks down the key findings and actions that farmers, farm workers, and rural communities can take to create a safer agricultural environment.
Building a Strong Safety Culture
A strong safety culture is essential for reducing incidents on farms. The insights of the report highlights that safety must be more than just a checklist—it should be a core value embedded in everyday farm operations. To achieve this:
- Customise safety protocols to suit the specific risks and needs of each farm.
- Apply the “Swiss Cheese Model” of accident prevention—layering safety measures such as inductions, maintenance, and training to create multiple barriers against hazards.
- Encourage open communication, respect, and continuous education to foster a proactive safety mindset across all farm workers.
Key Farm Safety Statistics and Trends
The latest data insights shows both progress and areas for concern:
Positive Trends:
- Falls from heights have decreased by 75%.
- Impact injuries have dropped by 30%.
- 2023 recorded the lowest on-farm fatalities on record—32 deaths compared to 55 in 2022.
Areas of Concern:
- Beef cattle farming incidents have risen by 40%.
- Preliminary 2024 data (first 6 months) shows 30 fatalities and 74 non-fatal injuries.
- Farmers aged over 60 account for 44% of fatalities.
- Machinery-related incidents often result from skipping safety steps, fatigue, and loss of concentration.
- Self-managed machinery repairs are a major cause of injuries—often due to failing to disengage equipment before repairs.
- Children under 15 make up 12% of farm injuries and 9% of fatalities.
Common Farming Injuries:
- Lacerations/open wounds (31.62%)
- Fractures (18.57%)
- Soft tissue injuries (16.83%)
- Muscle/tendon strains (15.02%)
Most Affected Body Areas:
- Lower back (24.28%)
- Knees (Left: 18.93%, Right: 16.07%)
- Hands and Shoulders (Left Hand: 15.00%, Left & Right Shoulders: 12.86%)
Practical Safety Recommendations
The report outlines critical areas where farms can improve safety:
First Aid & Emergency Preparedness
✔ Ensure all farm workers complete annual first aid training, especially in remote areas.
✔ Conduct regular toolbox meetings to refresh skills.
Child Safety
✔ Supervise children at all times.
✔ Create designated safe play areas away from machinery and livestock.
✔ Maintain clear communication between workers and parents.
Livestock Handling
✔ Use low-stress handling techniques to prevent animal aggression.
✔ Understand livestock behaviour and move calmly and consistently.
Ageing on Farms
✔ Recognise risks associated with ageing farmers.
✔ Modify tasks, provide ongoing training, and encourage regular health checks.
Machinery & Vehicle Safety
✔ Perform regular maintenance and inspections.
✔ Ensure operators are properly trained and follow manufacturer guidelines.
✔ Always wear seatbelts in tractors and farm vehicles.
Lone & Remote Work Safety
✔ Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) when working alone.
✔ Ensure adequate first aid training for isolated workers.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
✔ Promote open conversations about mental health.
✔ Provide access to rural support services.
✔ Encourage a healthy work-life balance.
Fatigue Management
✔ Recognise signs of fatigue and understand its risks.
✔ Implement work scheduling strategies to reduce exhaustion.
Visitor Safety
✔ Provide safety briefings to all visitors and contractors.
✔ Identify potential hazards before visitors arrive.
Farm Workshop Safety
✔ Reduce risks from cluttered workspaces, dangerous equipment, electrical faults, and poor lighting.
Loading & Unloading Trucks
✔ Implement safe procedures to prevent falls, falling objects, and manual handling injuries.
Essential Safety Tools & Resources
The 2024 Safer Farms Report also highlights valuable resources to improve safety:
📌 Toolbox Talks – Regular discussions on safety topics keep workers informed and engaged.
📌 Induction System – Farm employment induction program.
📌 Farming and Fatigue Project – Learn strategies to manage fatigue risks on farms.
📌 AgForce Training’s Farm Essentials – Industry-specific safety training.
📌 Farmsafe Australia Website – Access safety resources and guidelines.
📌 Rural Safety & Health Alliance (RSHA) – Stay updated on latest farm safety research.
Final Thoughts: Safety is a Shared Responsibility
By implementing these insights and safety measures, Australian farms can work towards reducing incidents and creating a safer work environment for everyone.
Remember:
✔ Safety is not just a responsibility—it’s a core value.
✔ Every decision should prioritise the well-being of workers, families, and communities.
✔ A proactive approach to safety saves lives and ensures the sustainability of Australian agriculture.
🚜💡 Stay safe, stay informed, and make farm safety a priority!
