Ahead of Farm Safety Week (19–25 July 2026), SafeWork NSW is reminding farming communities across NSW to put safety at the forefront, using the week as an opportunity to check for risks, have important safety conversations and make positive changes on the farm.
The Farm Safety Week theme for the 2026 is “Set the Standard: Show ’em how it’s done.”
In line with this year’s theme, SafeWork NSW is encouraging farmers across the state to lead by example and take simple, practical steps to strengthen safety on their farms. Farmers can get started by joining the free online seminar, First Steps to Farm Safety, and making use of a range of newly available resources designed to help create safer, healthier and more productive workplaces.
Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous industries in Australia. From operating heavy machinery like tractors, quad bikes, and side by side vehicles, to the handling of hazardous chemicals and livestock, farm work presents a unique set of safety risks that have continued to contribute to an alarming increase of on-farm deaths and serious injuries.
In 2025, SafeWork NSW reported 12 fatalities in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Industry Sector.
During that same time, SafeWork NSW received 352 requests for service, whereby 15 related specifically to quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
SafeWork NSW also received 282 incident reports, including 12 serious injuries related to the same high-risk farm vehicles.
Farm Safety Week aims to raise awareness of these risks and promote simple, effective actions to prevent injuries and save lives.
SafeWork NSW’s free First Steps to Farm Safety seminar will be held online on Thursday 23 July 2026 from 12-1pm.
The session will showcase the newly launched First Steps to Farm Safety guide that provides practical advice and easy-to-use checklists to help farmers identify hazards and meet their safety responsibilities under WHS laws.
Other key topics including training and supervision, emergency planning and common risks such as tractors, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles, farm machinery, falls from heights, hazardous chemicals and mental wellbeing will also be included, along with an opportunity for participants to ask questions during a live Q&A.
Event participants may qualify for financial assistance under the NSW Government’s Small Business Rebate program which offers up to $1000 to help farmers purchase eligible safety items to improve work health and safety for their business.
The $1000 NSW Small Business Rebate helps farmers take action by providing funding for safety-related equipment and improvements. Eligible items include:
- Drones as a safer alternative to a farm vehicle (tractor, quad bike or side-by-side vehicle) for select tasks such as property inspections and monitoring.
- Quad bike and side-by-side vehicle safety upgrades, including operator protective devices (roll bars) for quad bikes and helmets for both vehicles.
- Powerline safety on farms, including visibility wraps and aerial markers.
- Other equipment that helps identify, control or reduce workplace hazards such as working in isolation.
The First Steps to Farm Safety event is suitable for farm owners, managers, farm workers, contractors, and seasonal staff.
Interested participants can register for the free online event and download the First Steps to Farm Safety guide PDF, 1822.44 KB on the SafeWork NSW website.
Acting SafeWork Commissioner Petrina Casey said:
“Far too many families and communities continue to endure the profound and lasting impact of preventable incidents on farms.
“This National Farm Safety Week, SafeWork NSW is holding farmers and businesses accountable, providing education, resources and financial assistance to ensure they have the means necessary to keep themselves and their workers safe while out on the fields.
“Small steps can make a big difference. By combining practical knowledge with financial support, SafeWork NSW is providing farmers with a valuable opportunity to redouble their efforts to identify safety risks and take the necessary steps to improving safety on their farms.”
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