Safety blitz targets farming businesses in Coffs Harbour

Safety Blitz Targets Farming Businesses in Coffs Harbour

Farm businesses across the Coffs Harbour area were visited by SafeWork NSW inspectors last week to ensure employees are working in a safe environment. Safety remained the central focus throughout the operation, with inspectors checking whether farming operations meet current compliance standards.

During the two-day blitz, SafeWork inspectors focused on safety around vehicles and machinery, fall risks, chemical safety and lone worker safety. Each of these areas represents a common hazard within agriculture, where equipment, terrain and isolation combine to create heightened risk for workers.

Why SafeWork NSW Targeted the Coffs Coast

“This targeted compliance safety program is about working towards zero with agricultural businesses and workers to prevent serious injuries,” acting Head of SafeWork NSW John Tansey said.

Mr Tansey said 20 people have been killed in farm incidents since 2022. That figure underscores why safety inspections continue across the Coffs Harbour region, and why farming businesses must treat safety obligations as an ongoing priority rather than a once-off compliance exercise.

What This Means for Farming Businesses

Operators in agriculture should expect continued scrutiny from regulators, particularly around vehicle safety, fall prevention, chemical handling and procedures protecting lone workers. Reviewing internal safety documentation now can help avoid non-compliance findings during future visits.

Businesses seeking guidance on building robust safety frameworks may find comparable initiatives instructive, such as the recent safety blitz for SA transport businesses or the safety blitz targeting construction sites in Wollondilly, both of which highlight how targeted compliance programs operate across different sectors.

Read the full story on the SafeWork NSW website.