Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

You may not realise it but farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in Australia. Only one in 10 workplaces are farms, yet they account for one quarter of all work-related deaths. Children under 15 years and adults over 65 years are more likely than others to be injured or killed on farms. Males are more likely to be injured than females.

You can reduce the risk of farm injuries and illness at your farm by evaluating the risks and taking steps to minimise them. Accidents can be prevented through better farmer education, making sure equipment is well maintained and has adequate safety features, having safety procedures in place, and training every worker and family member about potential dangers and the proper, safe use of equipment and machinery.

Business owners are responsible for health and safety in the workplace. Previously known as Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), find out more about Workplace Health and Safety on this page.

There are links at the bottom of the page to related WHS websites.

Quad Bikes

Quad bikes are the biggest cause of deaths on Australian farms. Use the tools and guides on the Worksafe Victoria to help make quad bike use safer.

 Quad Bike Safety Webpage link here:  Quad Bike Safety

Farmsafe Australia Induction Tool

The new Farmsafe Australia Safety Induction Tool is now available on line.
The tool is free and seeks to further improve the safety induction of new workers.
Workers complete their induction in discussion with the farm owner/manager and then a record of the induction and issues it has covered are emailed directly to the worker and the farm owner/manger – helping to simplify the record keeping process.   The tool can be found here

Managing the risks of working in heat from Safe Work Australia.

Working in heat can be hazardous and can cause harm to workers. The human body needs to maintain a body temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius.  If the body has to work too hard to keep cool or starts to overheat a worker begins to suffer from heat-related illness.  This guide produced by Safe Work Australia shows you how to manage the risks.   Download the guide here:  guide_for_managing_the_risks_of_working_in_heat_1

Links to Workplace Health and Safety Websites

Australian Government Workplace Health and Safety Website:  Link

Safe Work Australia: Link

Farmsafe Australia Inc: Link