Written by Jake Gardiner, Partner  |  Evolve Legal  |  July 2026

 

National Farm Safety Week runs from 19 to 25 July 2026 and provides a timely reminder of the importance of keeping workers safe in rural and agricultural workplaces.

This year’s theme is “Set the Standard: Show ’em how it’s done.” The campaign encourages everyone working in agriculture to lead by example and help make safe practices the standard on Australian farms.

What is National Farm Safety Week?

National Farm Safety Week is an annual initiative dedicated to raising awareness of farm safety and reducing injuries and fatalities in agricultural workplaces. It is relevant to everyone working in the industry, including farm owners, managers, workers, contractors and advisers.

Every person on a farm has a role to play in identifying hazards, following safe work practices and helping ensure everyone returns home safely.

Why Is Farm Safety Important?

Agricultural and rural workers are often exposed to a heightened risk of injury due to machinery, livestock, working with chemicals, working at heights and in confined spaces.

Other risks can include quad bikes, tractors, manual handling, excessive noise, sun exposure and working alone or in isolated locations.

The remote location of many agricultural workplaces can also delay access to medical assistance and affect the outcome of a serious injury. Tragically, catastrophic and fatal farm injuries continue to occur across Australia.

What Are the Most Common Farm Safety Risks?

Common hazards in rural and agricultural workplaces include:

• Tractors, quad bikes and other farm machinery
• Livestock and animal handling
• Hazardous chemicals
• Falls and working at heights
• Confined spaces
• Manual handling and repetitive tasks
• Excessive noise
• Heat and sun exposure
• Remote or isolated work

Farm owners and operators should regularly identify and assess workplace hazards and implement appropriate measures to eliminate or minimise the risks, so far as is reasonably practicable.

How Can Farm Injuries Be Prevented?

Everyone in an agriculture workplace can contribute safer working conditions.

Practical Steps include:

• Providing workplace inductions and task specific training
• Developing and following safe work procedures
• Providing appropriate supervision, particularly for new and inexperienced workers
• Encouraging others to follow safe work practices
• Reporting hazards and speaking up about unsafe practices
• Regularly inspecting and maintaining machinery and equipment
• Providing suitable personal protective equipment
• Preparing communication and emergency procedures for remote work
• Regularly Reviewing whether existing safety measures are effective

How Can You Report an Unsafe Farm Workplace in Queensland?

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland helps keep Queensland workplaces safe and enforces relevant safety procedures.

If you are concerned about an unsafe practice or workplace hazard on a farm, you may be able to raise the issue with your employer, supervisor or health and safety representative. You can also report a workplace safety concern to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

If there is an immediate risk of serious injury or harm, contact emergency services by calling 000.

Are Working Holiday Visa Holders Covered by WorkCover?

Many Queensland agricultural businesses employ migrant and temporary visa workers, including people working under working holiday visas. Fruit picking, harvesting and packing are common examples of agricultural work undertaken by temporary visa holders.

Some workers may have limited experience in agricultural workplaces or may be unfamiliar with particular equipment, processes and safety requirements. Employers should provide clear instructions, appropriate training and sufficient supervision to help these workers perform their duties safely.

Working holiday visa holders and other temporary visa workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation if they are injured while working in Queensland. Visa status does not, by itself, prevent an eligible worker from making a workers’ compensation claim.

Can You Claim Worker’s Compensation for a Farm Injury?

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation if you suffer an injury or illness arising out of, or in the course of, your employment on a Queensland farm.

Your entitlement will depend on your individual circumstances, including whether you meet the legal definition of a worker at law, and whether your employment is sufficiently connected with Queensland.

Most claims are managed by WorkCover Queensland, however, some employers manage claims through an approved self-insurance arrangement.

What Can a WorkCover Claim Cover?

Depending on your circumstances, workers’ compensation benefits may include:

• Reasonable medical, hospital and rehabilitation expenses
• Weekly compensation where your injury impacts your capacity to work
• Care and support, in certain circumstances
• Travel expenses associated with approved medical treatment
• Lump sum compensation

How Do You Make a WorkCover Claim After a Farm Injury?

If you are injured while working on a farm, you should consider taking the following steps:

• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible and explain that your injury occured at work.
• Report the injury to your employer or supervisor.
• Ask your medical provider for a workers’ compensation medical certificate.
• Lodge a claim with WorkCover Queensland (or your employer’s self insurance unit, if self-insured).
• Keep copies of medical records, receipts, photographs and communications relating to the injury.

Reporting an injury to your employer does not necessarily mean that a workers’ compensation claim has been lodged. You should confirm that the appropriate claim has been submitted.

What Time Limits Apply to Queensland WorkCover Claims?

Strict time limits apply to statutory WorkCover claims and common law damages claims in Queensland. The time limit that applies will depend on the type of claim and the circumstances of the injury.

It is important to obtain advice as early as possible so you can understand your rights and avoid missing a relevant deadline.

How Can Evolve Legal Assist With a Farm Injury Claim?

If you have been injured while working on a farm or in another agricultural workplace, Evolve Legal can assess your circumstances and explain your options.

Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers may be able to assist you with:

• Understanding whether you may be eligible to make a claim
• Preparing and lodging a WorkCover claim
• Responding to a rejected or disputed claim
• Understanding any lump sum compensation offer
• Considering whether you may have a viable common law damages claim
• Managing the claims process and communicating with the insurer

Contact Evolve Legal today to arrange a free initial claim assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN A CASUAL FARM WORKER CLAIM WORKCOVER IN QUEENSLAND?

A casual farm worker may be entitled to workers’ compensation if they meet the legal definition of a worker and suffer a work related injury or illness. Eligibility depends on the person’s employment arrangement and individual circumstances.

CAN A BACKPACKER CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR A FARM INJURY?

A backpacker or working holiday visa holder may be able to make a workers’ compensation claim if they are injured while working in Queensland. A person’s visa status does not, by itself, prevent them from being eligible.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A FARM INJURY?

Seek medical attention, report the injury to your employer and tell your medical provider that the injury occurred at work. You should also keep records relating to the incident and consider lodging a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible.

CAN I CLAIM IF MY EMPLOYER DID NOT PROVIDE PROPER TRAINING?

You may still be entitled to statutory workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whether your employer was responsible for the incident. A failure to provide appropriate training or supervision may also be relevant when considering whether you have further legal rights.

CAN I CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR A PERMANENT FARM INJURY?

If your farm injury results in a permanent impairment, you may be offered lump sum compensation. You should consider obtaining legal advice before accepting an offer because doing so may affect your ability to pursue further compensation.