2014, Volume 11, Paper 3

Occupational Health and Safety on Australian Farms: 1. Farmers’ Perceptions of Major Hazards

Kirrily Pollock – Australian Rail Track Corporation
Lyn Fragar – Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety
Garry Griffith – University of New England and the University of Melbourne

Abstract

A subset of data from a larger survey of 335 farm enterprises throughout New South Wales was examined, focusing specifically on farmers’ perceptions about major hazards on Australian farms. The data collected from participating enterprises clearly demonstrate that there is a disconnect between what farmers perceive as the risks on their farm and what hazards and risks cause the highest rates of fatalities in Australian agriculture. For example, previous research has shown that tractors were the most commonly reported agent of death by injury on Australian farms over the period 2001–04, accounting for 19 per cent of fatalities, followed by all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs). However, a frequency analysis of identified risks or hazards by study participants, rated tractors at 20th, with ATVs even further down the list at 27th; just 11 of the 335 enterprises rated ATVs as a risk on their farms. The most frequently reported injury agent by study participants was livestock handling and stockyards, followed by silos and chemical handling. While these agents are seen commonly in farm safety campaigns and promotions due to the legislative requirements with training and operation, with the exception of livestock handling, they do not feature highly in injury hospitalisation, and none of these agents feature in the causation of deaths on farms.

Key Words: farm, health and safety, farmer perceptions, hazards, risks

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