Learning from Near Misses: Enhancing Farm Safety in Australia

The campaign was bolstered by real-life accounts, including incidents like a man suffering a shattered pelvis from a cattle impact, a toddler caught in a cattle crush, and a woman breaking her leg after being rammed by a wether. These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of farm work and the potential for severe injuries.

Felicity Richards, chair of Farmsafe Australia, emphasised that every near miss is a chance to improve safety protocols. She noted that many serious incidents are preceded by close calls, serving as warnings that should not be ignored. Richards stressed the importance of proactive measures, such as initiating safety discussions, sharing experiences, and pausing to assess risks before tasks.

Statistics from the campaign reveal a concerning trend: farm-related fatalities rose from 32 in 2023 to 72 in 2024, marking the highest number in over two decades. Notably, side-by-side vehicles have become the leading cause of on-farm deaths, surpassing tractors and quad bikes. Factors contributing to these incidents include unfastened seatbelts, lack of helmet use, overloading, operating on unstable terrain, and insufficient training.

WFI Insurance reported over 1,800 claims related to farm vehicle accidents in 2024, many resulting in severe injuries like neck and spinal fractures and brain trauma. Additionally, there has been a 274% increase in fall-related claims, attributed to falls from heights, slips, and trips. Crush injuries involving machinery and livestock have also risen, leading to life-altering consequences.

Demographically, individuals aged 25 to 44 accounted for 46% of accident incidents in 2024, while 15% involved children under 15. Dairy cattle farming recorded 3.39% of these incidents during the 2024-25 financial year.

Richards highlighted that familiarity with daily tasks can lead to complacency, increasing the risk of accidents. She urged the farming community to foster a culture of safety by being conscious of potential hazards and striving for continuous improvement.

In the first half of 2025, 17 fatalities and 87 injuries on farms were recorded nationally, indicating the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive safety measures in the agricultural sector.