In 2021 there were 46 fatalities on Australian farms. This is 12 fewer lives lost when compared to both 2019 and 2020 and is a significant step forward for the industry. But despite this improved result, 46 farmer deaths is still a tragedy.
Farmsafe Australia says safety covers all aspects of farming and includes child safety, mental health, fatigue, complacency, and labour shortages. During Farm Safety Week, the organisation is imploring all Australian farmers to take greater consideration of often overlooked factors that impact safety.
Felicity Richards, Chairperson of Farmsafe Australia, applauds the progress the Australian farming industry has made towards safety; however, she believes there is more to be done to foster an industry wide culture that prioritises and champions safety above all else.
"It's so important that we continue to encourage open conversation and education around safety on farms. Particularly around those often hard to measure factors such as complacency or fatigue which contribute heavily to workplace incidents," Richards said.
"Experienced farmers often think that if they are yet to experience a farm related injury that they never will. It's time to change this narrative and encourage farmers of all experience levels to prioritise their safety."
Farmsafe Australia says having open conversations and reminding farmers that harm can be more than physical is necessary to change the national approach to farm safety.
"There are so many resources available to farmers and technology is constantly developing to improve the safety of farms. Continuing safety education and sparking conversations around lesser-known areas of safety is essential in continuing to combat farm tragedies," Richards said.
"Every time we avoid and injury or fatality, we can celebrate the positives. Every farmer understands the unique risks that come with working on their own farm. Taking one extra moment to weigh up factors such as fatigue, mental health or complacency is a first step towards creating a safer environment."
To find out more about safety resources, visit: farmsafe.org.au
