Agricultural workers are being urged to prioritise their safety, with the industry recently ranked second highest for work-related deaths.
While Safe Work Australia ranked the transport, postal, and warehousing industry as the deadliest industry to work in with 41 fatalities recorded so far this year, the figures showcased a steady decline from its five-year 60-death average and was notably down 13 deaths from 2023.
However, the agriculture industry concerningly showcased an increase in fatalities, recording 31 deaths, up two from last year. While previously the five-year average sat at 38, Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) Chief Executive Julia Whitford believed the rise in deaths flagged the need to reiterate the importance of physical and mental health, and safe working practices.
“Over the past five years we’ve seen an average of 38 deaths a year in agriculture, forestry and fishing, and any death is one too many,” she said.
“Ag workers face a range of hazards that they must mitigate every day. Among the risks is the operation of heavy equipment, being struck by an animal, handling chemicals, exposure to weather and dust, slips, trips and falls, and vehicle accidents, including those involving tractors and quad bikes.”
Additional data revealed that fatal quad bike accidents and rollovers were on the rise, with 18 deaths recorded so far in 2024, up 38 per cent on last year and 63 per cent on 2022.
“To help bring those numbers down, we encourage ag workers to do a registered quad bike training course, install a crush protection device, ride on familiar tracks, and avoid riding in bad weather, on rough terrain, and on steep slopes wherever possible,” Ms Whitford said.
“Agriculture is key to Australia’s economy, but unfortunately the long hours ag workers put in often go unrecognised, and they have little to no control over variables like the weather, disease, or market conditions, making for an unpredictable and stressful work environment.
“We urge our hard-working ag workers to review and update their safety procedures to best protect their physical and psychological health.”
To learn more about safe farm practices, visit www.farmsafe.org.au. To learn more about the AIHS, visit www.aihs.org.au.
