According to figures from the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, 32 people have lost their lives in farm incidents so far this year. A further 101 have been involved in serious, non-fatal accidents that have featured in the media.

Centre director Dr Tony Lower said 17 of the fatal incidents occurred on farms in NSW, two involving children.

“NSW also recorded the second highest number of non-fatal incidents,” he said. “Disturbingly, more than double the amount of non-fatal incidents were reported than last year’s period.”

Dr Lower said there were highly effective ways to control risks and prevent needless deaths and injuries.

“Farm owners/managers need to visibly demonstrate good work health and safety practices which will set a precedence and influence their employees to follow suit.”

He said many quad bike injuries had lifelong consequences.

“Prevention is the key in reducing statistics, action is vital now. In this way we will not only save lives and serious injuries, as an industry we will be more productive,” he said.

Details and the full report at: www.sydney.edu.au/medicine/aghealth/