Citation

Lower T, Pollock K. J. Agromed. 2017; 22(2): 131-139.

Affiliation

a Tony Lower Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety , University of Sydney.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1059924X.2017.1283279

PMID

28129081

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify the burden of fatal and workers compensation related injuries on the dairy sector in Australia and to assess current financial inputs for Work Health and Safety actions.

METHODS: The first and second phase entailed a review of the financial costs associated with fatal (2001-13) and workers compensation cases (2008-09 to 2012-13). The third element was a case study approach focusing on actual production and cost data from a small sample of dairy farms (n=6) to ascertain an estimate for current financial inputs to Work Health and Safety.

RESULTS: The estimated financial impact was approximately AUD$12.4 million each year, comprising AUD$6.8 million for fatalities and AUD$5.6 million for compensable injuries. All sample businesses were investing in health and safety initiatives, however this was modest and on average represented 0.4% of total expenditure (AUD$4,472) or
CONCLUSIONS: Despite data limitations, there is a compelling financial case to increase strategic investments into Work Health and Safety by dairy farmers in Australia. Increased investment has the potential to not only minimise the burden of injury and costs to dairy farmers, but will also significantly reduce the devastating impacts that these incidents have on individuals, their families and communities.

Language: en

Keywords

Dairy; economics; safety