SafeWork NSW urges farm safety action as reported incidents rise
17 July 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW is urging the state’s 81,000 agricultural workers to put safety first during National Farm Safety Week, after reported industry safety incidents more than doubled between 2013 and 2022.
Reported safety incidents in NSW agriculture rose from 149 in 2013 to 358 in 2022. SafeWork NSW also reported 34 agriculture-related fatalities from 2022 to the time of its release, with at least 10 involving a quad bike or side-by-side vehicle.
Tractors, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles and machinery account for most farm-related fatalities. Auger intakes and harvesting machinery are also major sources of harm and injury.
In May of the year covered by the release, a worker undertaking maintenance removed an auger guard while the equipment was still in drive. His hand became entangled, leading to the amputation of four fingers and the partial amputation of his thumb.
SafeWork NSW offers a free advisory service to help farmers develop an action plan addressing safety issues. The service can also help them qualify for a $1000 safety rebate to make improvements on their farms.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said: “The agriculture sector accounts for one-in-five workplace deaths in NSW every year.” He said business owners must ensure their workplaces are safe, maintain plant and equipment, consult workers about safety and provide the right gear for the job.
Curtin said the focus of Farm Safety Week was ensuring farming work was carried out safely and workers returned home at the end of each day. SafeWork NSW’s message to agricultural workers is to do the job the safe way or not at all.
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