WFI Insurance has recorded an 8% reduction in farm-related claims in the past year, but says the number related to impacts such as vehicle crashes or crush injuries surged 44% to the highest level in four years.

There were 1800 claims related to farm vehicle collisions, rolls and other accidents, including on quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles. Many led to injuries such as broken necks and spines, and brain trauma. 

WFI EGM Damien Gallagher says a short 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,” he said.

Mr Gallagher says the data also shows a 275% increase in fall claims since the previous year, including falls from height, slips and trips. 

The data, released as part of Farmsafe Australia’s Safer Farms report, shows side-by-side vehicles overtaking tractors and quad bikes as the leading cause of on-farm fatalities.

Farmsafe Australia CEO Stevi Howdle says 72 people died on farms last year, up from 32 the year before to the highest level in more than two decades.

“The figures in this report are confronting, but necessary,” she said. “They show us where harm is happening and challenge us to look deeper at what’s contributing to it.”

In WFI’s workers’ compensation portfolio, focused on WA, a decline in overall incidents continued, dropping about 14% compared with the 2024 fiscal year. Beef cattle and sheep farming incidents remain the leading claim types. 

WFI says the mental health of farmers remains a key concern, with a 75% increase in workers’ compensation claims relating to anxiety and stress over the past year. 

Other farming risks include extreme weather, with natural peril claims increasing 18% over the past three years. Farm property fires were up 28% during the same period.

This year’s National Farm Safety Week is themed “second chances – who knows how many you’ll get”. The report is available here.