New stats show a rise in the annual number of on‐farm injury deaths in 2017.

Research by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety at the University of Sydney shows that tractors (13) and quads (11) were the leading causes of death, making up over 40 per cent of the total.

Nine of the fatal cases (13 per cent) involved children aged under 15 years, with the involvement of quads accounting for one‐third (3) of these incidents.

The report also provides detail on a further 179 non‐fatal incidents that have been highlighted in the media, with quads again featuring as the main cause and being involved in 39 (22 per cent) of the incidents.

“These non‐fatal cases are very important as often people will suffer significant injuries that have lifelong consequences,” said researcher Dr Tony Lower.  

 “Each farm injury death or injury is one too many, as all cases cause great suffering for family, friends and whole communities. Many more deaths and injuries can be prevented by using solutions which we know from the evidence work.

“These figures emphasize how important it is to have safety as a major priority in your farm business.

“Planning for safety in the same way that you plan for your crops or stock will go a long way to reducing these incidents and the impacts they have.”  

The full report is available in PDF form, here.