Hazards | Safe Work Australia

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I would like an overview of the hazards.

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries to work because of its combination of hazards, including:

Plant
such as tractors
Quad bikes
Chemicals
such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers
Hazardous manual tasks
Noise
Dusts
Working at heights
Slips, trips and falls
Confined spaces
Outdoor work
Working with animals
Working alone or in remote areas
Mental health
Electrical work

To work safely, it’s important to:

understand and comply with your WHS duties. Everyone working in agriculture has WHS duties under the model WHS Act
- General duties that apply to all industries under the model WHS laws
- Specific duties that apply to the agriculture industry under the model WHS laws
identify hazards and manage the risks with agriculture.

You need to consult with your workers and any health and safety representatives through this process.

Read more about consultation, in the model Code of Practice: Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination.

Did you know

The WHS regulator in your state or territory can provide practical advice, resources and tools to help you be safe when working in agriculture. They can also let you know which WHS laws apply to you.

Further Advice

SWA is not a regulator and cannot advise you about WHS issues in the workplace. If you need help please contact your state or territory work health and safety authority.

For more information about agriculture, see our agriculture industry resources.

For information about other industries, check out our industry and business topics.

Please contact your state or territory work health and safety authority for WHS advice and information about the WHS laws that apply in your state or territory.