Advertising promotion
SAFEWORK SA has launched a 12-month campaign aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries in South Australia’s agricultural sector after six workers were killed and at least 13 seriously injured in 2024-25.
The fatalities included three quadbike crashes, one worker trapped in farm machinery and two deaths in grain silos.
Incidents were reported on farms across regional South Australia.
From October 1, SafeWork SA inspectors will visit farms across the state, with a particular focus on properties that have recorded high numbers of workplace injury claims.
Inspections will audit compliance with workplace safety laws, including the use and maintenance of tractors and all-terrain vehicles, guards on machinery such as augers and conveyors, and preventing falls from heights.
Other areas of focus will include electrical safety, the safe handling and storage of chemicals, the use of personal protective equipment, and inductions and training for both new and existing workers.
Inspectors will also review procedures for working in confined spaces such as silos.
SafeWork SA executive director Glenn Farrell said the campaign was about preventing tragedies before they occurred.
“Workplace deaths and serious injuries leave a painful impact on families, work mates and regional communities,” Mr Farrell said. “SafeWork SA wants to work with farmers to make a safety culture part of agriculture and help reduce the number of workplace incidents.”
Farmers are being urged to contact SafeWork SA’s free Advisory Service, which offers resources, practical safety advice and on-site visits from specialists with industry experience and up-to-date workplace safety knowledge.
“We’re encouraging farmers to speak to SafeWork SA’s free Advisory Service and find out how they can make their workplace safer,” Mr Farrell said.
“Our Advisory Service can arrange a discussion or visit from someone who understands the industry and its risks.”
Advertisements promoting the campaign will run across regional media and digital platforms over the next year, reminding farmers of their obligations and the support available.
Agriculture employs more than 30,000 South Australians, making up around 3 per cent of the state’s workforce, and contributed $7.8 billion to the state’s economy last financial year.
It remains one of six national priority industries for safety regulators due to the high number of serious incidents recorded each year.
For more information or to request a free advisory visit, farmers can visit safework.sa.gov.au or call 1300 365 255.
