WFI Insurance releases farm accident insights

It shows 2024 was a devastating year for Australian farming communities, with 72 deaths - the highest number of fatalities in more than two decades.

During the past 12 months, WFI has seen an overall 8 per cent reduction in farm related claims, however, impact related claims such as vehicle accidents or crush injuries, have surged 44 per cent – the highest level in four years.

There were 1800 claims related to farm vehicle accidents, including quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs), with many resulting in life altering injuries such as neck and spinal fractures, and brain trauma.

According to the report, SSVs have overtaken both tractors and quad bikes as the leading cause of on-farm fatalities in a single year.

In 2024, more people lost their lives in incidents involving SSVs than any other type of machinery or vehicle.

Farmsafe Australia chair Felicity Richards says familiarity can be fatal.

“Tools and machinery we use every day remain dangerous, no matter how experienced we are. Complacency sets in, and that’s where near misses come from.

“We are not powerless in the face of risk. We have choices, every day,” Felicity says.

“And every time we choose to speak up, change a process, or rethink a job, we give ourselves and those we care about another second chance.”

The mental health and wellbeing of farmers also continues to be a key concern.

WFI has seen a 75 per cent increase in workers compensation claims relating to anxiety and stress over the past year.

While not covered in the report, the suicide rate among Australian farmers is almost 59 per cent higher than the general population. On average, a farmer dies by suicide every 10 days.

Other farming risks include extreme weather events, which continue to increase in frequency and severity, with natural peril related claims increasing 18 per cent in the past three years.

Farm property fires were up 28 per cent during the same period.