Strong commitment to farm safety

SafeWork SA has launched a farm safety campaign to help reduce the number of workplace deaths and injuries in the state’s agricultural industry.

Six workplace deaths in the sector and at least 13 serious injuries were notified to SafeWork SA in 2024-25. The fatalities included three quadbike crashes, one worker trapped in farm machinery, and two trapped in grain silos.

The alarming number of incidents occurred on worksites across regional South Australia.

From 1 October 2025, SafeWork SA is running a 12-month farm safety campaign to assist in reducing the number of workplace deaths and injuries by ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety laws.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell Workplace said deaths and serious injuries leave a painful impact on families, work mates and regional communities.

“SafeWork SA wants to work with farmers to make a safety culture part of agriculture and help reduce the number of workplace incidents,” Mr Farrell said. “We’re encouraging farmers to speak to SafeWork SA’s free Advisory Service and find out how they can make their workplace safer.

“Our Advisory Service can arrange a discussion or visit from someone with both industry experience and up-to-date knowledge of workplace safety.”

The campaign involves SafeWork SA Inspectors visiting a number of farms, including those identified as having a high number of workplace injury claims. The farms will be audited for their compliance with WHS laws with a focus on:

• Use and maintenance of farming plant and equipment, including tractors and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

• Guarding of plant and equipment such as augers and conveyers

• Falls from heights

• Electrical safety

• Personal protective equipment

• Chemical handling and storage

• Induction and training for all workers

• Working in confined spaces (silos)

• Induction and training for new workers

As part of the campaign, farmers are encouraged to contact SafeWork SA’s Advisory Service to help make their properties safer for themselves, their workers and their families.

The Advisory Service offers free safety advice and resources while a specialist advisor with industry experience can visit to provide practical assistance with reducing WHS hazards.

Advertisements will also be placed in regional media and on digital platforms over the course of the campaign to remind farmers about their WHS obligations and how SafeWork SA can assist.

Agriculture is of vital importance to South Australia’s economy, employing more than 30,000 South Australians, or about 3 per cent of the state’s workforce.

Primary production (agriculture, forestry and fisheries) contributed more than $7.8 billion to the state’s economy in the last financial year.

It is also one of six national priority industries for safety regulators due to the large number of serious incidents in the industry.

To request a free advisory visit or to speak to an advisor, visit the Safe Work website or call 1300 365 255.

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