Andrew Beer, Executive General Manager at WFI, highlighted the importance of these improvements. 'We have seen horrific life-changing injuries,' he stated. 'We see first-hand the adverse outcomes when things go wrong on farms, where events can unfold quickly and often in remote locations.'
Despite these positive developments, certain risks remain prevalent. Heavy machinery and large animals continue to pose significant hazards, and farm property damage claims resulting from severe weather have increased by 32%. 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 have also contributed to incidents.
In the first six months of this year, there were 30 deaths and 74 injuries on farms, compared to 32 deaths and 122 injuries in the whole of last year. This data suggests a downward trend in farm-related incidents, reflecting the effectiveness of enhanced safety measures and awareness campaigns.
WFI's claims data over the past five years indicates that cuts have been the most common injury type, comprising almost one-third of claims, followed by fractures (19%) and soft tissue injuries (17%). The insurer's commitment to promoting farm safety is further demonstrated through its partnership with Farmsafe Australia, where WFI serves as an ambassador and sponsors the annual 'Safer Farms Report.'
These findings underscore the critical importance of continued education and implementation of safety protocols in the agricultural sector. By maintaining vigilance and adhering to best practices, farmers can further reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer working environment for themselves and their communities.
