West Australian authorities want to reduce the death toll in one of Australia’s most dangerous sectors – agriculture.

WorkSafe WA has released the Agriculture Action Plan 2014-2016 as part of a strategy to cut the number of serious injuries and fatalities in the sector.

“Serious injury and fatality rates in the agriculture sector are among the highest of any industry sector in WA,” Mr McCulloch said.

“WorkSafe is working with the agricultural community to bring these numbers down, and an important part of this work is providing as much information as possible on how to comply with workplace safety and health laws.

“The document that has recently been made available was developed in partnership with major stakeholders in the agriculture sector, and I acknowledge the commitment shown by these organisations in developing the material.”

Employers in the agriculture sector are encouraged to utilise the Agricultural Safety and Health Checklist on the WorkSafe website to identify any potential hazards in their workplaces.

“I strongly believe that collaboration, information and education are the best ways in which to create safer workplaces in WA,” WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said.

“I encourage all farmers, farming families, agriculturalists and agricultural workers, students and other stakeholders to become involved in helping reduce injury and disease in the WA agriculture sector.”

The Plan was developed by WorkSafe in partnership with:

  • WA Farmers Federation
  • Farmsafe WA Alliance
  • Country Women’s Association
  • Department of Agriculture and Food
  • WA Shearing Industry Association
  • Department of Education WA
  • Farm Machinery and Industry Association of WA
  • Food, Fibre & Timber Industries Training Council (WA)
  • Pastoralists and Graziers Association WA