Non-intentional farm injury fatalities in Australia, 2003 - 2006

Abstract

Aim: To describe the pattern of nonintentional farm-related fatalities in Australia for [2003][2004][2005][2006] and examine trends. Methods: Data from the National Coroners Information System were analysed to define all non-intentional farm injury fatalities for the period. Results: The incidence of farm fatalities has declined by 44% over the past 20 years from an average of 146 deaths per year to 82 deaths per year. For adults there are high numbers of fatalities related to tractors, quad bikes and farm utilities. Children aged under 15 years account for 17% of fatalities, with dams or other water bodies and quad bikes remaining the most common causes of non-intentional farm fatalities. Almost half of all on-farm non-intentional fatalities are non-work-related. Conclusion: Future interventions targeting these priority areas are required to reduce the incidence of non-intentional farm-related fatalities within Australia.

Non-intentional farm injury fatalities in NSW, Australia, 2001–2015

“…Further details on the NCIS, the extraction process and coding of variables, including the Farm Injury Optimal Dataset, are available elsewhere. [4][5][6] To approximate the geographic spread of nonintentional farm fatalities in NSW, the postcode location for each incident was recoded based on the Australian Statistical Geography Standard Volume 1 Statistical Area Level 4 (SA4). 7 An exception was cases in the 14 SA4 areas making up the Sydney metropolitan area, which were classified as Greater Sydney for aggregation purposes.…”

“…3 Although national data on the extent of farm-related fatalities are available, less is known about the specific patterns within NSW and any regional variations. 4 This paper describes the extent, nature and patterns of nonintentional farm-related injury fatalities over the 2001-2015 period in NSW. Ethics approval was from the Department of Justice Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number CF/14/1161).…”

“…4 Indeed, the finding that just under 60% of cases were work related highlights the significant gaps in the official SafeWork NSW data, which provide only a partial picture of the risks and consequences associated with agriculture. Agriculture is somewhat unique in that the farm is frequently the family residence, and the distinction between work and recreation is often blurred.…”

“…Despite this, there is significant potential to prevent these incidents. 13 However, improved investment is needed to revitalise the adoption of evidence based approaches that address the issue. Data in this study can assist by underpinning this evidence based approach.…”

Reducing farm injury deaths through regulation

“…Agriculture is internationally recognised as a hazardous industry. Despite a 44% reduction in non‐intentional farm injury deaths in Australia over the past 15 years (of which machinery‐related incidents are the predominant cause), considerable opportunities for prevention remain 1 …”