FARM Safe Australia launched its ‘Safer Farms’ report 2023 at the beginning of National Farm Safety Week, 16 – 23 July.

The report highlights the 2022 injury and fatality statistics, including the first six months of 2023.

This year recorded a return to greater numbers of injuries and fatalities, with agriculture again ranking as the most dangerous Australian industry to work in.

Fifty-five farmers lost their lives on Australian farms in 2022, with tractors accounting for 20 percent of these fatalities and quad bikes another 14 percent.

The report unpacks the statistics and highlights tools and resources available to farmers through the Farmsafe Australia website, Farmsafe member organisations and collaborative partners.

It also calls on industry, government, and supply-chain stakeholders to actively support Farmsafe Australia to ensure that Australian farmers have access to free farm safety information, tools and resources.

This year’s Farm Safety Week campaign, ‘Stay on the Safe Side,’ focusses on tractor, vehicle and machinery safety, in an effort to raise awareness about the alarming injury and fatality statistics attributed to these agents and reinforce important safety messaging to help farmers create a safer working environment.

Paul Shoker, NSW Farmers’ Coffs Harbour branch chair – in Sydney this week for the NSW Farmers annual conference – told News Of The Area farm safety is a big issue and the Coffs area was no exception.

“We have seen a number of incidents on local farms in recent times, from rollover of machinery to injuries from snakes and spiders,” he said.

Paul Shoker says the Coffs Coast is a unique and a challenging place to farm.

“With the steep terrain and growth in the sector we see more agricultural machinery in the hands of more individuals.

“There is also a large contingent of seasonal workers who can be often unskilled in matters around safety.”

Recently the Coffs Coast experienced unannounced farm visits from Safe Work NSW inspectors.

The compliance program focussed on safety priorities such as working around vehicles and machinery, falls prevention, chemical safety and consultation, as well as ensuring workers are kept safe when working alone.

“Safe Work NSW is a major partner of NSW Farmers; we welcome their focus on improving safety on local farms.

“Unfortunately, farms continue to be over-represented in injuries and death statistics nationally.

“We want to ensure all farmers and employees remain safe on farms,” said Mr Shoker.

“At the same time, it has been disappointing to note the new NSW state government wind back safety-related programs targeting farms.

“Since 2016 the previous NSW government had been offering safety rebates and free nationally-accredited quad bike and side-by-side training.

“This program benefited over 2,000 farmers, farm workers and agricultural students.”
This program, administered by NSW Farmers, has helped save lives.

“Farm vehicles play a big part in farm related injuries and deaths for this reason we call upon the state government to consider dedicating funding in this space.”

Farm safety is also a major focus of industry.

“Many farmers in our region are accredited by programs like Fair Farms and Sedex.”

These third-party programs focus on workplace relations with safety being a major component.

“Attitudes around safety are changing as farms have shifted from being family run to larger professionally run organisations.

“We need farmers to engage with industry and government bodies such as Safe Work to ensure we improve on farm safety for all involved,” said Mr Shoker.

To find out more about safety resources see www.farmsafe.org.au

By Andrea FERRARI