Why Safety Matters in Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. According to Safe Work Australia, agriculture accounted for 23% of worker fatalities in 2019, despite employing only 2.6% of the workforce1. This means that agricultural workers are at a higher risk of injury or death than workers in other sectors.
What are the main hazards in agriculture?
Agriculture involves a variety of hazards, such as:
- Plant and machinery, such as tractors, motorbikes and quad bikes, which can cause crush injuries, rollovers, falls or collisions
- Chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, which can cause poisoning, burns, skin irritation or respiratory problems
- Noise, which can cause hearing loss or stress
- Dust, which can cause lung diseases or allergies
- Outdoor work, which can expose workers to sunburn, heat stress, dehydration or cold injuries
- Animals, which can cause bites, kicks, scratches or zoonotic diseases
These hazards can be compounded by factors such as:
- Remote locations, which can limit access to emergency services or medical care
- Long hours, which can lead to fatigue or impaired judgement
- Lack of training, supervision or communication, which can increase the likelihood of errors or accidents
- Financial stressors, which can affect mental health or wellbeing
How can you manage risks in agriculture?
Everyone who works in agriculture has a duty to keep themselves and others safe from harm. This includes employers, workers, contractors and visitors. To manage risks in agriculture, you should follow these steps:
- Identify hazards: Look for anything that could cause harm in your work environment and activities.
- Assess risks: Evaluate how likely and how severe the harm could be from each hazard.
- Control risks: Implement measures to eliminate or minimise the risks as much as possible.
- Review controls: Monitor and review the effectiveness of the control measures and make adjustments if needed.
Some examples of control measures are:
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, helmets or boots
- Maintaining and inspecting plant and machinery regularly and following safe operating procedures
- Storing and handling chemicals safely and following label instructions
- Wearing hearing protection and reducing noise exposure
- Wearing sun protection and staying hydrated when working outdoors
- Handling animals with care and following animal welfare standards
- Taking breaks and resting when needed
- Seeking help or support if you feel stressed or overwhelmed
Where can you find more information?
Safety in agriculture is a shared responsibility. You should always follow the work health and safety (WHS) laws and regulations in your state or territory. You should also consult with your employer, workers’ compensation authority or industry association for more guidance and resources.
For more information on safety in agriculture, you can visit these websites:
- Safe Work Australia: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/industry-and-business/agriculture
- Department of Agriculture: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/farm-safety
- FarmSafe Australia: https://farmsafe.org.au/
Safety matters in agriculture because it affects your health, productivity and livelihood. By identifying and managing risks, you can protect yourself and others from harm and enjoy a safe and rewarding work experience.