SafeWork NSW offers free farm safety seminar for National Farm Safety Week

Ahead of Farm Safety Week, running from 19–25 July 2026, SafeWork NSW is urging farming communities to review risks, discuss safety and make improvements on their farms. This year’s theme is “Set the Standard: Show ‘em how it’s done.” The regulator is encouraging farmers to lead by example and use the seminar and newly available resources to strengthen farm safety.

Agriculture remains among Australia’s most hazardous industries. Farm workers face risks from heavy machinery, including tractors, quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles, as well as hazardous chemicals and livestock. These hazards continue to contribute to increasing deaths and serious injuries on farms. Farm Safety Week seeks to build awareness and promote practical action to prevent injuries and save lives.

SafeWork NSW reported 12 fatalities in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Industry Sector in 2025. That year, it received 352 requests for service, including 15 relating specifically to quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. It also received 282 incident reports, including 12 serious injuries involving those vehicles.

The online seminar will introduce the newly launched First Steps to Farm Safety guide. The guide contains practical advice and checklists to help farmers identify hazards and meet their responsibilities under WHS laws.

The session will also cover training and supervision, emergency planning and mental wellbeing. Other topics include risks associated with tractors, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles, farm machinery, falls from heights and hazardous chemicals. Participants will be able to ask questions in a live Q&A.

Participants may qualify for financial assistance through the NSW Government’s Small Business Rebate program. The program offers up to $1000 towards eligible safety items, including safety-related equipment and improvements, to help farmers improve work health and safety in their businesses.

The seminar is aimed at farm owners, managers, workers, contractors and seasonal staff. Registration for the free event and the First Steps to Farm Safety guide are available through the SafeWork NSW website.

Acting SafeWork Commissioner Petrina Casey said: “Small steps can make a big difference. By combining practical knowledge with financial support, SafeWork NSW is providing farmers with a valuable opportunity to redouble their efforts to identify safety risks and take the necessary steps to improving safety on their farms.”

How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your business’s approach to workplace safety and identify areas that need closer attention. We offer it as a starting point for reviewing your WHS responsibilities. Take the free WHS self-check