SafeWork NSW targets seasonal agricultural workplaces in inspection program

SafeWork NSW is urging farmers across the state to ensure their farms are a safe work environment and they are taking proactive steps to minimise psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

Farmers and workers in agricultural workplaces continue to be seriously injured and killed at higher rates than other industry sectors, with farming accounting for one in five worker deaths across the state.

With National Agriculture Day falling on the third Friday of November, the regulator said inspectors would conduct proactive visits to oyster farms, wineries and grain harvesting to check compliance and provide safety advice.
SafeWork NSW set their focus on seasonal workplaces, in particular itinerant worker safety, safety around moving plant, falls from heights and psychological safety.

Tractors, quad bikes, side by side vehicles and machinery are responsible for the majority of farm related fatalities, while augers and harvesting machinery are also a major cause of harm and injury.

There have been two recent incidents in the agriculture industry involving young workers who suffered serious injuries after becoming entangled in unguarded augers.

“Farmers are faced with a number of unique challenges not experienced in many workplaces, from increased financial pressures to extreme isolation, while also being responsible for putting food on our tables,” said SafeWork NSW director WHS services regional, Tony Williams.

Unfortunately, workers in the agricultural sector are overrepresented in suicide and depression rates in Australia, and for this reason farmers must be increasingly aware of their mental state and ensure they are doing all they can to minimise psychosocial hazards in their workplace.”