Farmsafe Australia has released its 2026 Safer Farms Report during Australia's National Farm Safety Week, highlighting the continued toll of workplace injuries and fatalities across the country's agricultural sector while urging farmers to lead by example in promoting safe work practices.
Supported by WFI Insurance, the annual report compiles national injury and fatality data, identifies emerging safety issues and highlights practical resources and industry efforts aimed at improving farm safety.
According to the report, 53 people died and 182 others suffered serious injuries on Australian farms in 2025. Since 2019, 427 people have lost their lives in farm-related incidents, averaging more than one death each week over the past seven years.
The findings underscore the ongoing risks faced by agricultural workers and reinforce the importance of strengthening safety practices to reduce preventable incidents.
This year's National Farm Safety Week campaign, "Set the Standard: Show 'em how it's done," encourages farmers and agricultural workers to recognize how their daily actions influence those around them. The campaign emphasizes that routine decisions and workplace habits help shape long-term safety culture.
The report notes that many incidents occur during everyday tasks, particularly during busy periods when fatigue and time pressures can lead to shortcuts. It encourages producers to reinforce safe behaviors through consistent leadership and practical decision-making.
Tractors, side-by-sides and quad bikes remain the leading causes of fatalities on Australian farms. Farmsafe Australia is encouraging producers to focus on proven safety measures, including wearing helmets, using seat belts, reducing vehicle speeds and operating equipment equipped with rollover protection.
As part of the campaign, six Safer Farmers Ambassadors from across Australia will share personal experiences and practical approaches to improving workplace safety. Their messages focus on issues such as managing fatigue, modeling safe behaviors for children and coworkers, avoiding complacency during routine tasks and promoting safety leadership throughout the agricultural industry.
Farmsafe Australia said lasting improvements in farm safety depend on the everyday decisions made by individuals across the sector. The organization said consistent safe work practices and open conversations about hazards can help build stronger safety cultures and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on farms.
Source: Farmsafe Australia, "2026 National Farm Safety Week Launch and the Safer Farms Report"