Worksafe - The cost of safety: It's not what you think

On 24 July 2026 Susie and Jen attended ‘The cost of safety: it’s not what you think,’ a Worksafe event discussing agricultural safety at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre. Normally a dry topic, the half day event was engaging and quick paced with knowledgeable and passionate speakers.

 Sally North the Worksafe Commissioner

introduced the recently formed agricultural education team, specialising in the ag industry. The education team proactively visits farms across WA with the aim of assisting rather than investigating. Most injuries in the industry remain stress from repetitive work, vehicles, falls from a height, chemical handling and being struck by moving objects.

 Linda Carter - investigation lead

leads the investigation team who attend site after a serious incident, essentially the people you hope not to meet. Often very experienced users of equipment will get injured simply because the tasks are done so frequently and there was a slip in attention. Many serious incidents occur due to complacency, time saving, fatigue, modified/inappropriate equipment or poor maintenance.

 Rebecca Harris of Workcover WA

explained as many as 1 in 10 businesses don’t realise their insurance package does not cover workers' compensation until it comes time to make a claim. Only 6 insurers nationwide are licenced to provide workers' comp, check your policy. If you feel your policy is unfairly high, you can appeal to Workcover as the industry regulator.

 Justin Fonte of St John’s Ambulance

said 50% of ambulance callouts to farms are for trauma, with winter the busiest time. The second highest callout is for cardiac events. Justin has found over his career bystanders save lives so it is important not to work alone.

 Geoff Kennedy a senior inspector for Worksafe

explained safety systems can’t be made from behind a desk. Map your hazards by walking around the workplace. Discuss procedures with staff and give them a say, this will ensure a procedure is fit for purpose not just ignored.

 The event closed with a farmer panel, Mike Littlely of Westpork prioritises safety because it saves the company money. Safe procedures in an abattoir are crucial to reduce staff turnover, reduce insurance premiums and staff who take safety seriously tend to operate smoothly in all other areas of the business. Bronwyn Fox of Rockhill Farms in Dandaragan has seen a cultural change in 30 years of farming. As a family business, if an incident caused major injury to Bronwyn’s husband or industrial manslaughter caused imprisonment, the business would face a much harder time than updating their safety procedures. Elizabeth Smith of Frankland Estate operates a long drive from the nearest hospital or ambulance depot. Farm safety is important to avoid a poor outcome.