Despite relatively few hours worked compared to many other industries, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry has the highest number of work-related fatalities for the period 2011–12 to 2020–21p, with 42 fatalities.

The fatality frequency rate in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry is three times as high as the industry with the second highest work-related fatality frequency rate (Arts and Recreation Services), and over seven times as high as the overall rate across industries.

Over three quarters of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing industry work-related fatalities occurred in the Agriculture subdivision.

Examples of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing work-related traumatic injury fatalities 2011–12 to 2020–21p

• A tree feller was fatally injured when a tree branch struck him.
• A farmer was kicked by an animal, which fatally aggravated an existing medical condition.
• A casual farm worker sustained fatal injuries when she was struck by a bull and crushed against a fence.
• A farmer, undertaking work activities, was repeatedly stung by bees and suffered a fatal reaction.
• A farm hand was fatally injured when a hydraulically supported steel bucket he was working under fell.
• A farmer was fatally injured after being thrown from a quad bike.
• A fishing vessel sank resulting in the fatalities of all three workers aboard.

Further information

• Agricultural Industry Fatality Report - June 2023
• State of the work environment
• Injury Statistical Report 2017/18-2020/21 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing in the Western Australian Workers' Compensation Scheme - WorkCover WA