Safety not a priority on some WA farms: report

A culture of self-reliance within the Western Australian agricultural industry is likely to have led to massive under-reporting of serious injuries, an inquiry has found.

Some in the industry believe they're not subject to work health and safety regulations and that farming is a way of life not a business, according to the findings.

The report to the Worksafe Commissioner follows an independent inquiry into the agricultural industry after 12 workers died on the job in the year to June 2022.

"Each death is a tragedy in itself and in its effect on loved ones, communities and businesses," former chief industrial relations commissioner Pamela Scott said in the report released on Tuesday.

"Each serious injury affects not only the injured person at the time and during their recovery, but often for the rest of their life. 

"It also affects their families, communities and businesses."

The agricultural industry has had the highest number of deaths of all industries in WA and Australia for many years, with the fatalities in WA in 2021-22 significantly higher than previous years.

The industry employs about 45,000 workers in more than 5000 businesses ranging from small family-owned-and-operated farms through to large corporate operations.

Ms Scott noted that many agriculture workers were older men and it was not generally accepted that ageing brings reduced physical strength and agility.

"They need to be encouraged to adjust the work they do and how they do it to take account of these changes," she said.

"This includes doing less physically demanding work and being more attentive to risk."

The inquiry found some farmers believe they're not subject to work health and safety regulation and if they are it is only in respect of paid workers. 

"They view the farm as being about family and a way of life rather than a business," Ms Scott said.

The report said there was also likely to be a gross under-reporting of serious injuries to the regulator and a lack of claims for workers' compensation. 

Many owner-operators "make do" after injury and work while they recover.

"I have heard stories of farmers continuing to drive equipment with a broken foot or leg propped up, or of driving one handed, to ensure that work is performed where it is urgent," Ms Scott said.

"This is part of the culture of self-reliance within the agricultural industry."

Ms Scott made eight recommendations, including that a safety inspection and education team be formed to bolster awareness in the industry.

A code of practice should also be implemented and timely information about the causes of fatalities and serious injuries should be released to the industry.

It was recommended the regulator and the industry should also engage with machinery and equipment manufacturers to improve machinery safety.

Ms Scott also called for safety alerts to be sent to farmers regarding the use of some equipment, such as quad bikes, motorbikes and horses.