Andrew Beer, Executive General Manager at WFI, highlighted that impact injuries have decreased by 30%, reaching their lowest level in four years. Despite these positive trends, heavy machinery and large animals continue to pose significant risks on farms. Additionally, farm property damage claims resulting from severe weather have increased by 32%, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters.
Self-managed repairs to broken machinery have been identified as a leading cause of injury, often due to machinery not being properly disengaged. Factors such as fatigue, loss of concentration, and omitting important safety steps to expedite tasks contribute to these incidents. Mr. Beer emphasised the severe consequences of such accidents, noting that events can unfold quickly, often in remote locations, leading to horrific, life-changing injuries.
In the first half of this year, there were 30 deaths and 74 injuries on farms, compared to 32 deaths and 122 injuries in the entire previous year. This improvement indicates progress in farm safety, yet it also highlights the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
WFI's data also reveals that cuts are the most common injury type, comprising almost one-third of claims, followed by fractures and soft tissue injuries. The insurer has become an ambassador for Farmsafe Australia, reinforcing its commitment to promoting safety within the agricultural community.
For Australian farmers, these statistics serve as both a reminder of the inherent risks in farming and an encouragement that implementing robust safety measures can lead to significant reductions in accidents and injuries.
