SafeWork says National Agriculture Day is an opportune moment to evaluate and emphasise the significance of safety measures on farms

SafeWork NSW says National Agriculture Day is an opportune moment to evaluate and emphasise the significance of safety measures on farms, calling on farmers to prioritise safe work environments and actively implement measures that reduce psychosocial risk in the workplace.

According to SafeWork NSW, agricultural workers and farmers continue experiencing significantly higher rates of serious injuries and fatalities compared with other sectors, with the farming industry representing one out of every five worker deaths statewide. This gap highlights why farm safety deserves renewed attention across the agriculture industry.

Key Hazards Driving Farm Fatalities

The safety regulator notes that a significant number of farm-related deaths link back to tractors, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles, and other machinery. Augers and harvesting equipment also remain notable contributors to hazardous incidents within the agricultural sector.

Common hazards on farms include:

• Machinery and vehicles, including tractors, quad bikes and harvesting equipment
• Electrical hazards from faulty wiring, overhead powerlines and portable tools
• Transport-related risks during loading, unloading and on-farm movement
• Hazardous manual tasks involving heavy or awkward equipment

Effective risk management addressing these hazards remains central to reducing serious injuries across the agriculture industry. Farmers who assess electrical systems, transport routes and machinery use regularly are better positioned to identify emerging risks before they cause harm.

Why Electrical Safety Matters on Farms

Electrical infrastructure on rural properties often faces exposure to weather, dust and heavy equipment movement, making electrical hazards a persistent concern for the agriculture sector. Proper management of electrical systems, alongside regular inspection of tools and transport equipment, helps reduce risk of injury linked to faulty wiring or damaged machinery.

Farmers can strengthen their approach to electrical safety by referencing procedures such as those outlined in the Fire Prevention on Farms SOP, which supports broader risk management practices relevant to electrical and equipment-related hazards.

Supporting Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said, "This National Agricultural Day we want all farmers and those working in the agricultural industry to check in on their physical and mental wellbeing."

Psychosocial risk management sits alongside physical safety as a core part of protecting workers across the agriculture industry. Isolation, financial pressure and unpredictable conditions can all contribute to mental health strain, so checking in regularly with colleagues and family members on the farm supports a safer, more resilient industry overall.

Building a Safer Agriculture Industry

Strong safety management on farms depends on consistent hazard identification, clear procedures and ongoing review of equipment, tools and transport practices. Businesses seeking structured guidance can explore resources like the Children on Farms SOP for managing risks specific to family-run agricultural operations.

For broader context on workplace health initiatives, see how SafeWork SA's National WHS survey aims to improve workplace health and safety, and review recent incidents highlighted in coverage of two deaths on NSW farms in the span of one day that prompted a safety alert.

Farmers and agricultural businesses can also browse tailored templates through the Agriculture & Forestry safety document range to strengthen their overall risk management framework.

Find out more here.