Working in agriculture in Queensland can be dangerous, with workers exposed to serious risks every day. In fact, agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the state, with workers facing unique risks daily.
If you’ve been injured on the job due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. But how do you navigate such a complex system? This guide breaks it down for you, covering your rights, common injuries, and how to push for a safer workplace. Don’t settle for less—know what you deserve and how to protect yourself.
Agricultural Injury Statistics
Agricultural injuries in Queensland are reaching a critical point, reflecting a broader national issue. In the first half of 2024 alone, Australia saw 30 farm-related fatalities, with Queensland accounting for seven—second only to Victoria.
This is a worrying trend, especially since these numbers are nearly equal to the entire year's fatalities for 2023. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors consistently rank as the most dangerous industries, with 4,159 serious injury claims in 2020-21 and the highest fatality rate in the country, with the highest frequency rate of 11.1 claims per million hours worked. These alarming statistics call for urgent attention to farm safety measures.
Understanding the Key Agriculture Risk Factors
Machinery Accidents
Tractors and quad bikes are the leading culprits and causes of on-farm fatalities in Australia. However, as these vehicles are essential tools on the farm, workers still need to use them daily.
In fact, 276 of the 1,742 farm-related deaths since 2001 were tractor-related. Whilst quad bikes remain the second leading cause of on-farm fatalities. Agriculture workers frequently count fatigue and loss of concentration as the contributing factors which cause machinery incidents.
Another leading cause of injury is self-managed repairs on broken-down machinery. Sometimes repairs are carried out without properly disengaging equipment, causing catastrophic damage.
Animal-Related Injuries
Another hazard agriculture workers face is the animals they work with. Interactions with livestock pose significant risks on farms, particularly in the grain-sheep and grain-beef farming spaces.
Workers who interact with sheep and cows account for 52.46% of injury or fatality incidents over the past year. Large animals can cause serious injuries through unexpected movements, crushing, or even terrifying trampling. To avoid these accidents, proper animal handling techniques are required. It also helps to maintain well-designed facilities for the animals, crucial for minimising these risks.
Chemical Exposure
Chemical-related injuries in agriculture are a serious issue that can't be ignored. Pesticides, fertilisers, and other chemicals used on farms can cause immediate health problems like acute poisoning, along with long-term effects on the body and the environment. Mishandling these substances puts workers at risk, but this is preventable.
The key is proper training, using personal protective gear, and strictly following safety protocols. Protecting workers from exposure isn’t just about following rules—it’s about safeguarding health and livelihoods in one of Australia’s most hazardous industries.
Common Injuries and Their Causes
We also need to understand the most frequent injuries, this can help with prevention and compensation claims. So without further ado, here are the common injuries and their causes:
Machinery Accidents
- Crushing injuries from heavy farm machinery
- Falls from tractors or other equipment
- Amputations due to improper use of machinery
Animal-Related Injuries
- Bites and kicks from livestock
- Trapping incidents in pens or under animals
Chemical Exposure
- Skin irritation and rashes from pesticide contact
- Respiratory issues from inhaling chemicals
Your Compensation Rights Under WorkCover Queensland
If you're injured at work, your first step is filing a 'statutory' workers compensation claim, usually through WorkCover Queensland or your employer’s self-insurer. The latter is common with large organisations like major supermarkets.
This claim ensures you receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Knowing how to navigate the system is key to getting the support you need, so make sure to act quickly and understand your rights. It’s important to follow the right procedures from the start to protect your claim and future entitlements.
Eligibility:
- You're covered if injured while performing job duties including travel to or from work.
- It’s a no fault system so you are eligible regardless of the cause
What does it help cover
- Weekly wages: Covers most of your weekly salary based on average salary for a period of time
- Covers most of the immediate medical costs
- Rehabilitation services such as physio
Common Law Claims for Lump Sum Compensation
If you've suffered a serious workplace injury, or one that hasn’t healed properly, you may be entitled to more than just workers' compensation. You could have a common law claim or additional compensation for a lump-sum tax-free settlement if your injury resulted from employer negligence, such as:
- Your employer failed to provide proper safety equipment,
- If they didn’t maintain machinery properly,
- You were not given adequate training,
- An employer or manager asked you to do something in an unsafe manner,
- For serious injuries or anything that doesn’t fully heal quickly or
- If your injury results in permanent impairment.
It's crucial to check your rights and understand what compensation you're entitled to. Remember, Smith’s Lawyers can help you pursue these claims.
Check your rights: To ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines and have enough evidence for your case, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Smith’s Lawyers' team of work injury experts can help you understand your entitlements. We offer free initial advice and handle all claims on a risk-free, no-win, no-fee basis. For a free case review, call 1800 960 482 or enquire online. Don’t wait—get the legal support you need to protect your rights.
Advocating for Safety in Agriculture
Preventing injuries in the first place is crucial. Here's how employers can promote safety for agriculture workers:
- Identify and report risks in your workplace straight away,
- Report incidents, accidents, or near-misses immediately,
- Raise safety any concerns you spot with your supervisors or to your HR department.
Recent Cases in Queensland Agriculture
WorkSafe Queensland has handled numerous cases involving agricultural workers, with some leading to serious injuries. These below incidents highlight the risks those working in the agriculture industry face every day.
Quad Bike Fatality in Koumala
In early 2024, a tragic incident occurred on a private property in Koumala, south of Mackay, Queensland. A man lost his life when his quad bike rolled down an embankment and into a creek.
As discussed previously, there are lots of dangers associated with driving a quad bike on the farm. As a result, the Queensland government stepped in to implement new regulations. For example, they introduced new rules to ban children under 16 from using adult-sized quad bikes. Additionally, there is now a mandated helmet use for all quad riders. Agriculture workers are now also prohibited from taking passengers unless the quad bike is specifically designed for that purpose.
Cattle Truck Accident Fatality
In February 2024, another tragic incident occurred. A young man died in a cattle truck incident on a Queensland farm. This awful event was just one of seven farm-related deaths reported in Queensland in 2024 so far this year.
The devastating event highlights the risks associated with livestock handling and transportation in the agricultural sector. It also contributes to the alarming statistics of 56 agricultural incidents reported to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland in early 2024, with 24 of these incidents resulting in hospital admissions.
Knowing Your Rights and Staying Safe
Understanding your rights under WorkCover Queensland and taking an active role in workplace safety can greatly impact your well-being. Always prioritise your safety every day by staying aware of potential hazards, and reporting any incidents or concerns immediately. Protecting yourself and your colleagues starts with speaking up and ensuring a safe work environment for everyone.
Check your rights: Smith's Lawyers are agriculture injury compensation experts offering risk-free claims with no upfront costs and free initial consultations. Request a free case review below or call us now on 1800 960 482.
