SafeWork urges farmers to prioritise safety when working around farm vehicles following three fatalities this year

SafeWork NSW Urges Farmers to Prioritise Safety Around Farm Vehicles Following Three Fatalities This Year

SafeWork NSW has stressed the importance of wearing seatbelts, using helmets, and selecting appropriate vehicles when operating side-by-side vehicles, quad bikes, and motorcycles. This warning follows a series of incidents that have led to severe injuries or fatalities across the agriculture sector this year.

The safety watchdog says it's currently looking into an incident that occurred on February 14 in Coonamble, in which a 37-year-old man and a four-year-old child were seriously injured after being thrown from a quad bike. Preliminary investigations suggest that neither individual was wearing a helmet at the time.

Why Farm Vehicle Compliance Matters for the Agriculture Industry

The workplace safety regulator urges operators of side-by-side vehicles to utilise all safety features, such as seatbelts and helmets, in order to prevent fatal or serious injuries in the event of a rollover. Compliance with these basic safety measures remains one of the simplest ways to reduce harm across NSW farms.

SafeWork data shows that since 2001, over 56 fatalities have occurred in NSW due to quad bike incidents, with an additional 20 people losing their lives in side-by-side vehicle incidents. These figures highlight why farm transport safety continues to be a priority focus for regulators year after year.

Selecting the Right Vehicle and Equipment for the Task

Choosing suitable equipment for each task is central to reducing farm vehicle incidents. SafeWork recommends operators consider:

• Whether a quad bike, side-by-side vehicle, or motorcycle is the safest option for the terrain and task at hand
• Whether protective equipment, including helmets and seatbelts, is fitted and used correctly every time
• Whether plant and transport equipment has been maintained according to manufacturer specifications
• Whether operators have received adequate training before using unfamiliar equipment

Farm equipment selection isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. Terrain, load, and passenger requirements all influence which vehicle is appropriate, and getting this wrong has contributed to fatalities across the industry each year.

Building a Culture of Compliance Across the Agriculture Sector

Improving farm safety requires more than individual vigilance — it demands a consistent, industry-wide approach to compliance. Employers across agriculture are encouraged to review their transport and plant safety procedures regularly, ensuring equipment inspections, training records, and safe work practices align with current regulatory expectations.

For businesses seeking to strengthen their safety documentation, SafeWork's guidance sits alongside broader industry resources, including SafetyDocs' Working Around Helicopters SWMS and Conveyor Belts Working Around SOP, both of which demonstrate the type of structured documentation needed to manage equipment and transport risks safely.

A Pattern Seen Across Australia

NSW isn't alone in confronting this issue. Similar warnings have emerged from regulators nationwide, reinforcing that farm vehicle safety is a recurring concern across Australia's broader agricultural industry, not just an isolated regional problem.

SafetyDocs has previously reported on related efforts, including SafeWork South Australia's guidance on portable field bins and SafeWork SA's warning following fatalities in the agricultural industry, both of which echo this year's NSW findings.

Practical Steps for Farm Safety Compliance

Businesses looking to reduce risk exposure should consider reviewing safety documentation regularly and ensuring all plant, vehicles, and protective equipment meet current standards. Resources such as SafetyDocs' Working at Height Safety Packages and Safety Software solutions can support broader compliance efforts across farm operations and other high-risk industries.

For businesses managing legacy risks alongside vehicle safety, SafetyDocs' Asbestos Safety - Working in Roofs SWMS offers a further example of documentation designed to protect people undertaking hazardous tasks on rural properties.

Read more here.