Our Farm Safety Visits allow us to connect directly with farmers, helping to improve on-farm safety standards while also identifying where more education, resources and support are needed. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most frequent issues we see on farms across Victoria — and practical ways to address them.
Machinery Safety
Machinery continues to be one of the leading causes of injury and fatalities on farms. One recurring issue we observe is the removal or absence of safety guards. While it may seem more convenient to operate machinery without them, keeping guards in place and ensuring equipment is properly maintained and serviced is critical to preventing life-changing injuries.
Key tips:
- Maintain a routine service log for all machinery.
- Ensure safety guards are always in place.
- Provide training for all staff on safe machinery operation.
A safety-first approach not only protects workers but also helps avoid costly downtime and equipment damage in the long run.
ATV, Buggy and Quad Bike Use
ATVs, buggies (UTVs), and quad bikes are widely used on farms, but they also pose serious safety risks when not used properly. Tragically, rollover fatalities remain a significant issue in rural areas.
To reduce these risks:
- Always wear helmets and seatbelts.
- Install rollover protection systems (ROPS) where appropriate.
- Ensure drivers are over 16 years old and only operate vehicles suited to their experience.
- Assess terrain safety before use.
- Display speed limit signs and traffic directions on-farm.
- Conduct regular vehicle maintenance.
- Limit and secure passenger loads.
Proactively following these measures can drastically reduce the risk of incidents and make buggy use a safer part of farm work.
Chemical Safety
Safe storage, handling, and use of chemicals are essential to protect both people and the environment. Despite clear regulations, some common issues we see include:
- Missing or faded labels.
- Outdated Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Lack of compliant bunding.
- Poor ventilation in storage areas.
Safety tips include:
- Store chemicals in well-ventilated, compliant facilities.
- Keep labels and SDS up to date and easily accessible.
- Provide proper PPE for all handling tasks.
- Ensure licences and training are current for anyone handling farm chemicals.
For more guidance, visit the Chemical Storage and Handling Guide on the MOFS website.
Time Pressure and Taking Shortcuts
One of the most widespread issues on farms is the pressure of time — which often leads to shortcuts, fatigue, and increased risk. While we understand how busy farm life can be, skipping safety steps only increases the chance of serious accidents.
Ways to foster a strong safety culture:
- Lead by example — wear PPE, follow protocols, and assess risks.
- Encourage open communication — create a workplace where workers feel comfortable raising safety concerns.
- Hold regular toolbox meetings — they’re a great way to raise issues in a casual but structured setting. A toolbox talk template is available on our website.
- Manage fatigue — ensure workers take regular breaks and have realistic workloads.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies on farms can happen quickly and without warning. Being prepared is essential.
Every farm should have:
- Well-stocked first aid kits in key areas (e.g., workshops, shearing sheds, lunchrooms, and vehicles).
- Accessible fire extinguishers.
- A clearly documented emergency response plan.
- Designated muster points.
- An updated emergency contact list.
Running emergency drills and ensuring workers are familiar with response procedures can make all the difference in a critical situation.
Ready to Improve Safety on Your Farm?
If these issues sound familiar, now is the time to act. Visit www.makingourfarmssafer.org.au for free tools, templates, and resources designed to help you make your farm a safer place to work and live.
Need tailored support? Book a free, non-regulatory Farm Safety Visit with MOFS Senior Farm Safety Advisor, Paul Wearing. We’re here to help.