RESEARCH by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety based on media coverage from 2016 indicates there were 63 on-farm injury deaths throughout Australia last year.
The main causes were tractors (9), other farm machinery (9) and quad bikes (6).
These three factors accounted for almost 40 per cent of all cases.
“These figures represent a slight decrease on last year (73) but sadly we know that each case brings significant impacts for families and communities,” said University of Sydney Honorary Associate Professor, Dr Tony Lower.
“Overall, nine (11pc) of the deaths involved children. It just emphasises how important it is to have safety as a major priority in your farm business.”
The report also provides detail on 85 non-fatal incidents that have been highlighted in the media, with quads dominating the cases, being involved in 43 (50pc) of all incidents.
“These non-fatal cases are also important as often people will suffer significant injuries that have lifelong consequences,” Professor Lower said.
“Further highlighting the need for continued improvement, the number of deaths in agriculture for 2016 were more than double the combined total of those in mining and construction. This sounds a warning bell that there really is a need to fast-track improvements.
“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 not just on individuals, but also families and whole communities.”
A copy of the report and a wide range of materials that can assist those that work and live on farms to reduce risks to themselves, farm workers, family members and visitors, is available from the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety or call 02 6882 1486 for further information.
http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/aghealth/publications/reports.php
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Tasmanian quad bike safety review
The Tasmanian Government has invited interested parties to provide feedback on the ‘Quad Bike Safety in Tasmania’ issues paper.
Interested parties can review the paper and provide feedback here.
Community feedback will provide insight for the development of a state-wide Quad Bike Safety Plan during 2017. Submissions close February 28.
Farmer/graziers/politicians please explain to me why you don’t like roll over protection on quad bikes. Isn’t one child’s death enough to at least make you think about it..