Farming
Industry Module

Farming is a vital part of life in Western Australia, offering diverse job opportunities for young people, especially in regional and remote areas.

Typical activities include sheep and wool farming, beef and dairy cattle farming, grain production, poultry and pig farming, and other livestock operations.

30%

Be Aware

of work-related injuries in WA's farming industry involve young workers.

That's nearly 1 in 3.
Stay safe—don't let your guard down on the land.

Module structure

  • 7 Sections

    Each with a quiz, followed by a fun ‘Spot the Hazard’ industry simulation.

  • 25 to 30 Minutes

    Estimated learning time

100% pass required, but don’t worry, you get unlimited attempts.

Working in the farming industry can be dangerous

Farming is a hands-on, physically demanding job that often takes place in remote and outdoor settings.

Young workers in this industry are exposed to a wide range of tasks and environments, which can include working with machinery, animals, and natural hazards. This makes it especially important to understand how to stay safe while gaining valuable skills and experience.

Young workers may find themselves in roles such as:

  • Farm workers

    Assisting with general farm duties and livestock care.

  • Jackaroos/Jillaroos

    Learning the ropes of station work, including mustering and fencing.

  • Shearing shed hands

    Supporting shearing operations by handling wool and preparing sheep

These roles can be rewarding, but they also come with serious risks. The farming industry is one of the most dangerous to work in, so staying alert and informed is essential.

Statistics

Top incidents causing injuries

These are the top 10 types of incidents causing injuries to young workers in the farming industry, based on a five-year average.

Other risky situations you might face on the job

  • Contact with a chemical or hazardous substance

  • Electrical safety

  • Noise

  • Biological hazards

  • Working in hot conditions

  • Working alone

Source

WorkCover WA claims data (2019–20 to 2023–24p), analysed by WorkSafe WA, 2025.

Notes

  • Calculations are based on a five-year total from 2019-20 to 2023-24p.
  • Percentages are based on all incident types; totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding or overlapping categories.
  • Injuries are measured by the number of LTI/Ds (lost time injuries/diseases), defined as one or more days/shifts lost.
  • The SmartMove farming industry is classified under ANZSIC 2006 into several industry groups, including:
    • Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming (014)

    • Dairy Cattle Farming (016)

    • Poultry Farming (017)

    • Deer Farming (018)

    • Other Livestock Farming (019).

Build your safety smarts?

Start SmartMove to take control of your safety. From machinery to livestock, learn how to manage the risks that come with life on the land.

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