WHS in agriculture: what every business needs to know

Working in agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries in Australia. Understanding recent injury and fatality data, and how WHS duties apply on farms, is essential for businesses to meet their obligations and keep workers safe.

The most recent injury and fatality statistics

• In 2024, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector recorded the highest work-related fatality rate of any industry, at 13.7 deaths per 100,000 workers – nearly 11 times the overall national rate.
• In 2024, the sector accounted for 23 per cent of all worker deaths in Australia (44 fatalities), while the national fatality rate was 1.3 deaths per 100,000 workers.
• Primary causes of death nationally included vehicle incidents (42 per cent of all fatalities), falls from height (13 per cent), and being hit by moving objects (nine per cent).
• In 2023–24, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector recorded the highest serious claims frequency rate of any industry – 10.0 claims per million hours worked, almost 47 per cent above the national average of 6.8. The sector recorded 3,800 serious claims, with an incidence rate of 18.8 per 1,000 workers.

Most common safety hazards in agriculture and how to manage them

Agriculture involves a unique combination of high-risk activities. Below are the most common safety hazards facing the industry, based on national data, and practical control measures to reduce or eliminate the risk:

1. Vehicles and mobile machinery

• Hazard: Tractors, quad bikes, side-by-sides, and other mobile plant are the leading cause of on-farm deaths, accounting for approximately 42 per cent of fatalities in agriculture.
• Control it:
  • Use roll-over protection and seatbelts.
  • Limit use on steep or uneven terrain.
  • Provide operator training and licensing.
  • Conduct pre-start safety checks and maintenance.

2. Animal handling

• Hazard: Workers may be struck, crushed, or kicked by livestock—particularly cattle and horses.
• Control it:
  • Use well-designed yards and crushes to limit contact.
  • Train workers in low-stress animal handling techniques.
  • Ensure adequate supervision, especially with new or inexperienced staff.

3. Falls from height

• Hazard: Common when climbing silos, haystacks, roofs, or during tree trimming and fruit picking.
• Control it:
  • Use fall protection systems (harnesses, guardrails).
  • Avoid working at height alone.
  • Use mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) where appropriate.

4. Manual handling and musculoskeletal injuries

• Hazard: Lifting heavy equipment, repetitive movements, and awkward postures cause sprains, strains, and long-term injury.
• Control it:
  • Provide mechanical aids such as hoists, trolleys, or conveyors.
  • Train staff in safe lifting techniques.
  • Redesign tasks to reduce repetition and load size.

5. Machinery and equipment entanglement

• Hazard: Workers can become caught in moving parts of augers, belts, or PTO shafts.
• Control it:
  • Fit and maintain guards on all moving parts.
  • Shut down machinery before maintenance or clearing blockages.
  • Provide clear SOPs (safe operating procedures) and training.

6. Chemical exposure

• Hazard: Herbicides, pesticides, and veterinary chemicals can cause acute or chronic health issues.
• Control it:
  • Use appropriate PPE (gloves, respirators, coveralls).
  • Store and label chemicals properly (as per AgVet Code).
  • Ensure all users have completed chemical safety training.

7. Fatigue and remote work

• Hazard: Long hours, isolation, and limited breaks can result in poor decision-making and increased risk.
• Control it:
  • Implement shift rotations and enforce rest breaks.
  • Use two-way radios or satellite phones for communication.
  • Have a buddy system or scheduled check-ins for remote workers.

Environmental and psychosocial stressors often go hand in hand with fatigue. For more on managing these risks, see managing heat stress at work and managing psychological hazards in the workplace.

8. Slips, trips, and falls on the same level

• Hazard: Uneven ground, slippery surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways.
• Control it:
  • Improve lighting and housekeeping.
  • Ensure paths and yards are well-drained and free of debris.
  • Use anti-slip surfaces and appropriate footwear.

These hazards aren’t isolated events; they’re repeated causes of serious injury and death across the agricultural sector every year. Addressing them with the hierarchy of controls, supported by good WHS governance and consultation, is essential for improving safety outcomes on Australian farms.

Resources and overall WHS management

Key resources available from Safe Work Australia:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage WHS Risks
• Industry-specific guides: machinery, tree trimming, quad bikes, AgVet chemical labelling, tractor safety
• Interactive data dashboards showing injury/fatality trends by sector, mechanism, demographics, etc.

Good WHS management includes:

• Annual/in-cycle hazard audits: map hazards, assess risk, implement controls.
• Incident tracking: review near misses, injuries, and revise controls accordingly.
• Emergency preparedness: test plans, ensure first aid readiness.
• Ongoing consultation and training: involve workers from planning to execution.
• Review cycles: after significant changes or incidents, reassess risk.

For a practical starting point, the workplace safety manual for employers covers each of these elements in depth. If you’re looking for quick, high-impact actions, 10 quick wins for improving workplace safety is a good place to start.

What it all means for businesses

Agriculture in Australia remains a high-risk, high-responsibility industry. With a high industry fatality rate (13.7 per 100,000 in 2024) and repeat drivers like vehicle use and animal handling, businesses must proactively manage WHS risks.

Despite these risks, agriculture remains critical to regional communities and the national economy – and that makes getting safety right even more important.

Through diligent hazard identification, risk control, worker consultation, and use of Safe Work Australia Work resources, agricultural businesses and workers can build safer, legally compliant workplaces.

How Citation Group supports the agriculture sector

Citation Group understands the unique realities of farm operations from seasonal workforces, remote environments, and the high‑risk nature of the industry.

Our specialists work directly with agricultural businesses to strengthen safety systems, simplify compliance, and build practical, workable solutions that fit real on-farm conditions. From policy development to training and ongoing advisory services, we help agricultural businesses create safer workplaces that protect their people and productivity.

To reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and support the well-being of your workforce, contact us today.