Risks that farmers and farm workers are exposed to

Farm managers and workers are at risk from machinery, vehicles, and livestock.

In 2020, ACC accepted 22,796 farm-related injury compensation claims. This was a five-year high rate, and cost $84 million. An average of 60 New Zealand farm workers are injured every day and one farmer dies from a work-related incident every 23 days.

Injuries that occur on farms

The top three types of farming injury in 2020 were:

  • soft tissue injuries (66%)
  • laceration, puncture or sting (17%)
  • fracture or dislocation (6%).

Unpublished ACC data indicate that farm fatalities may be decreasing, but farm injuries are increasing.

Quad bikes were involved in 40% of the fatal farm incidents, half of these fatalities were due to the overturning of quad bikes.

Studies of the agricultural sector also indicate that stress and fatigue are the major contributors in many fatalities, injuries and illnesses, as well as suicides.

Risks in an agricultural workplace

The working environment in agriculture is often characterised by a variety of injury risks linked to conditions, such as:

  • the use of machines
  • work tools
  • quad bike or other vehicles
  • working at height
  • load lifting
  • handling of animals
  • handling of chemicals
  • tree felling.

Workers can also be exposed to hazardous chemicals, dust, noise, vibration, and adverse thermal conditions.

Working hours vary across the seasons in dairy and horticultural sectors.

Musculoskeletal injuries and physical accidents

Farming activities can cause musculoskeletal injuries. This trend occurred simultaneously with increased usage of heavy equipment, lower staff numbers, and larger farm sizes. It is evident, therefore, that the risk of being injured on a farm is substantial (Porter, 2021).

Accidents happen in the primary sector as a culmination of multiple factors. Injury rates are one of the highest among all occupations, and safety and prevention strategies are crucial.

Prevention of accidents in agriculture can go a long way to save lives and to make the workplace safer and productive. Managing risks and having a healthy lifestyle protects farmers, families, workers, and businesses.