The Australian Centre for Agriculture Health and Safety (ACAHS) and the University of Sydney has released their mid-year report on Australian Farm Deaths and Injuries (January – June 2017). The figures disclosed are an alarming reminder of the importance of safety in the agriculture industry.

Through their analysis of media stories from January to June 2017, the report finds that 32 people have tragically lost their lives in on-farm incidents; while a further 101 people have been involved in serious enough injury to be picked up by media. Those injuries that have not made media are currently unaccounted for, yet in a separate report also released by the University of Sydney, there were 5,546 hospitalisations from 2010 to 2014 which occurred on NSW farms. 

On‐farm deaths reported in Australian media by age and state, 1st Jan‐ 30th Jun 2017.

In comparison to other industries, agriculture accounts for more deaths than the construction and mining industry, but it almost half the amount of deaths relating to the transportation sector.

The biggest cause of farm-related deaths and injuries

We’re often quick to file any injury and death under and isolated “freak-accident”; however, the report shows common causes are happening far too frequently to be labelled as non-preventable.

Quad bikes are at the top of the list for death and injury on farms, followed by tractors, mobile plant machinery/plant equipment, trucks and roof/shed/water tanks. According to the ACAHS, those who were weren’t killed on quad bikes were often left with life-long injuries. Another Queensland inquest also showed that one in five people killed in quad bike incidents in Australia were children.

On‐farm non‐fatal injury events reported in Australian print media, 1st Jan‐  30th Jun 2017.

Bulk Fuel Australia committed to improving farm safety

With machinery, tractors and tanks being some of the leading causes of traumatic fatalities on farms, Bulk Fuel Australia is committed to ensuring safety is the number one consideration when delivering bulk fuel and setting up fuel storage tanks for farms.

We understand that along with mining, agriculture uses some of the biggest plant equipment in Australia. Whether you’re mustering livestock on your quad bike, pulling machinery on a tractor or digging soil with a front end loader, you’re using diesel fuel – and lots of it. The last thing any farmer wants is a breakdown of equipment either due to mechanical failure or contaminated fuel, as the safety risk pose too high a threat. The best way to reduce contaminants in fuel is by removing them using an after-market filter, or using Bulk Fuel Australia’s Final Filtered Diesel^® – a product which reduces particles by 50% to ISO 4406, which is a lower count than the industry standard.

Fuel farm storage can also be a safety risk for many farmers if not done correctly. The location is a big factor for fuel suppliers, with many farms located rurally that require fixed tank refuelling sites, mobile tanks, all-terrain trailers and powerless tanks. Bulk Fuel Australia on-site refuelling for farm fuel tanks and equipment offers superior access. We maintain a fleet of tankers and trailers which are ideal for manoeuvring safely across uneven terrain.

If you’re looking to improve your farms safety through the supply and storage of fuel, Bulk Fuel Australia offers agriculture fuel services including the safe delivery farm fuel tanks ideal and on-site refuelling no matter the farm size or location. Contact Bulk Fuel Australia today on 1300 579 990 to discuss your options.

Source: Australian Farm Deaths & Injuries Media Monitors - January - June 2017. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, Dubbo NSW. 2017