Despite an overall 8% reduction in farm-related claims over the past year, impact-related incidents, such as vehicle accidents and crush injuries, have surged by 44%, reaching a four-year high. WFI processed approximately 1,800 claims related to farm vehicle accidents, including those involving quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs), many resulting in severe injuries like neck and spinal fractures and brain trauma.
Notably, SSVs have overtaken tractors and quad bikes as the leading cause of on-farm fatalities. This shift underscores the need for stringent safety protocols and training for operators of these vehicles.
Felicity Richards, chair of Farmsafe Australia, cautioned against complacency, stating that tools and machinery used daily remain dangerous regardless of experience. She emphasised that near misses should serve as warnings, prompting proactive safety measures.
Mental health remains a pressing concern, with WFI reporting a 75% increase in workers' compensation claims related to anxiety and stress over the past year. Alarmingly, the suicide rate among Australian farmers is nearly 59% higher than the general population, with a farmer dying by suicide approximately every 10 days.
Environmental hazards are also on the rise. Claims related to natural disasters have increased by 18% over the past three years, and farm property fires have risen by 28% in the same period. These statistics highlight the multifaceted risks faced by the agricultural sector and the urgent need for comprehensive safety and support measures.
