AUSTRALIA’S peak body for farm safety, Farmsafe Australia, is calling for urgent action following a sharp rise in on-farm fatalities and injuries.

Data from AgriFutures Australia and AgHealth Australia shows that 72 lives were lost and 133 serious injuries occurred on farms in 2024 — more than double the figures from 2023.

AgHealth Australia farm safety research manager Kerri-Lynn Peachey, who monitors and collates the incidents each year, called the latest statistics a stark reminder to prioritise farm safety.

“With deaths and injuries more than doubling since 2023, we can’t ignore the warning,” she said.

“While some fluctuation is expected, 72 fatalities far exceed the five-year average of 53.”.

Farmsafe chair Felicity Richards said the alarming statistics were not just a wake-up call, they were an emergency said.

“We cannot continue to accept these deaths and injuries as part of life on the land,” she said.

“We need to change the culture around farm safety, and we need to do it now.”

The leading causes of fatalities were side-by-sides (14 deaths), quad bikes (10), and tractors (eight), with Queensland recording a significant jump in serious injuries from 11 to 61.

AgriFutures senior manager Ulicia Raufers stressed the importance of using data to address emerging safety risks.

“Every person who lives, works, or visits a farm has a role to play in reversing these troubling figures,” she said.

Farmsafe Australia is urging government and industry leaders to work together to implement long-term safety initiatives, including training programs and awareness campaigns.

“We have the knowledge and the tools; now, we need the commitment,” Ms Richards said.

“If we don’t act now, we’ll be having this same conversation next year, with even more names added to the toll.