Workers in the agriculture industry are one of the most likely group to make a workers compensation claim. This is likely due to a number of factors, such as the isolated nature of farmwork, working with dangerous machinery, and the unpredictability of animals. With these factors in mind, it is necessary for farmworkers to be informed about the coverage they have and what compensation options are available to them should they have an injury or illness from working on the farm. 

What To Do After a Farm Accident

  1. Tell your employer or supervisor immediately. There is no benefit to you to hide an injury or delay a report of an injury. Your employer is required by law to keep all injuries is registered, so ensure that they record this. 
  2. Lodge a WorkCover claim. Your employer will be able to provide this claim form on request. Simply fill out your injury details and give it to your manager or supervisor to fill out their portion of the claim form. Then, send it to their insurer. 
  3. See your own doctor. You are entitled to see a doctor of your choice when making a workers compensation claim, so pick one that knows you and puts your interests first. 
  4. If you need advice on a claim, contact What’s My Claim Worth for free, independent advice. We partner with the best law firms around Australia so that you are in the best hands possible when making your claim. 

Most Common Farm Accidents For a Workers Compensation Claim 

Due to the nature of farmwork, there are many ways that you can accidentally be injured while at work. Most commonly, the misuse of tractors, quad bikes, chain and bench saws, harvesters, generators are all typical causes of deaths and injuries on a farm. Farm managers have a responsibility to train their employees through the necessary procedures as well as all farming equipment before they are used. They also need to keep the equipment in good working order. With machinery like what’s available on a farm, there needs to be hands-on training, and not just a manual to read through. Employers must make sure all employees wear and use the correct equipment. 

Other common farm accidents include: 

  • Accidents involving farm vehicles
  • Accidents involving machinery
  • Falling from a height
  • Injuries caused by chemicals and other hazardous substances
  • Illnesses caused by chemicals and other hazardous substances
  • Accidents involved silos, slurry stores, or pits
  • Illnesses caused by high levels of noise
  • Illnesses caused by exposure to dust
  • Dangerous livestock

How Will Your Claim Be Calculated? 

The amount of compensation that you will be eligible for will depend on several factors, like the severity of the injury, medical expenses, and the potential loss of future wages. In order to get an accurate estimate of your compensation, you should engage an experienced workers compensation lawyer. Depending on the context and complexity of your injury you may be eligible for other forms of compensation, like common law damages and TPD claims. To work out your potential claim, click here.