From research to safe practice on farms - the impact of research by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety on policy and practice

Abstract

Data compiled by the National Farm Injury Data Centre indicates a significant reduction in the number of farm deaths in the past 20 years. In the 1989-92 period there was an average of 146 deaths per year, while in the most recent period for which national data is available 2003-06, this has reduced to 82 deaths per year. In raw numbers, this represents a reduction of 44% over this period. Additionally, if measured in terms of deaths per 10,000 farms or per 100,000 employees over the same periods, there has been a 35% and 54% drop in respective death rates. The Centre with its active research program has been the key driver in national initiatives to reduce death rates in the agricultural population. This document summarizes the nature of the action research that has been undertaken by the Centre and how these results have been applied to enhance the health and safety of agricultural industries in Australia.