WFI Insurance has released its latest findings on farm accidents, aligning with the launch of Farmsafe Australia’s 2025 Safer Farms Report and National Farm Safety Week.
The annual report, supported by WFI, provides updated statistics and analysis aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities in the agricultural sector.
Data from the 2025 Safer Farms Report indicated that the past year was particularly challenging for Australian agriculture, with 72 farm-related deaths – the highest figure recorded in over 20 years.
WFI Insurance, which has a significant presence in rural markets, reported that while overall farm-related claims declined by 8% over the last 12 months, claims involving impact injuries – such as those caused by vehicles or crush incidents – increased by 44%. This marks the highest level of such claims in four years.
The insurer processed approximately 1,800 claims linked to farm vehicle accidents, including incidents involving quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs). Many of these cases resulted in serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma.
The report highlighted that SSVs have now surpassed tractors and quad bikes as the leading cause of on-farm fatalities for the first time in a single year.
Damien Gallagher, executive general manager at WFI, said the company’s involvement in the Safer Farms Report is part of its ongoing commitment to farm safety.
“We are proud to sponsor this year’s Safer Farms Report, a potentially lifesaving resource for anyone working on or living on a farm,” he said.
He noted that even brief lapses in attention can result in severe consequences.
“A momentary lapse in concentration can change a life forever. We see how quickly farming accidents can happen and the tragic long-term impacts. Speed, rushed tasks, fatigue, and safety shortcuts are often catalysts for accidents,” Gallagher said.
Mental health remains a significant concern for those working in agriculture. WFI reported a 75% rise in workers’ compensation claims related to anxiety and stress over the past year.
While the Safer Farms Report does not specifically address suicide, industry data showed that the suicide rate among Australian farmers is nearly 59% higher than the national average, with a farmer dying by suicide approximately every 10 days.
Environmental hazards are also increasing. Claims related to natural disasters have grown by 18% over the past three years, and claims for farm property fires have risen by 28% in the same period.
Felicity Richards, chair of Farmsafe Australia, emphasised that routine use of farm equipment does not eliminate risk.
“Familiarity can be fatal. Tools and machinery we use every day remain dangerous, no matter how experienced we are. Complacency sets in, and that’s where near misses come from,” she said.
Alongside its accident data, WFI Insurance has also outlined practical steps for managing rural crime, which remains a persistent issue for many Australian farmers.
The insurer’s recommendations focus on livestock theft, firearm security, and machinery protection.
Livestock theft continues to affect rural communities, with thousands of animals reported missing each year.
WFI recommends the use of visual ear tags or electronic identification (EID) tags, which use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.
These measures help authorities trace recovered animals and make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen livestock.
Many jurisdictions, including Victoria, require livestock to be tagged under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) before being moved off property.
Firearms are widely used on farms for pest management and security. However, improper storage increases the risk of theft.
WFI advises that firearms should be kept in locked, compliant safes that are not visible from outside the property.
Regular checks of safes and locks, along with up-to-date registration and licensing, are recommended to support recovery efforts if theft occurs.
