Farmsafe Australia says first aid training is needed for one of Australia’s most dangerous industries. 

The group says that in rural and remote areas where immediate medical help may be unavailable, comprehensive first aid and trauma care training equips individuals to provide life-saving support until professionals arrive.

“Obviously, we want to see farmers doing everything that they can to prevent significant injuries from happening on their farms by implementing safer workplace behaviours; however, if a serious incident occurs, we need to make sure that our workforce is trained to respond,” says Felicity Richards, Chair of Farmsafe Australia.

“Rural and remote areas pose distinctive challenges, and having the ability to respond effectively during emergencies can make a crucial difference in saving lives.”

However, Richards acknowledges the challenges of accessing training in remote areas. “Access to relevant training in rural, regional, and remote locations is not just a necessity; it’s a lifeline for empowering communities with essential skills,” she said. 

In 2023, 32 people died on farms. Since 2001, 1,742 fatalities have been recorded, with nearly 90 per cent being men. 

Farmsafe is rolling out pilot training programs and encouraging business owners to prioritise first aid training.