Lone Worker Laws in Australia: What Farms Need to Know

Farmers often work alone, and each Australian state and territory has specific laws addressing the responsibilities of employers and employees regarding lone worker safety. Here, we outline the key legislation you must understand to ensure compliance and protect yourself and your workers.

New South Wales

Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)

Employers must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of lone workers by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective safety measures.

Simple Terms:

• Identify and manage risks for lone workers.
• Provide communication methods and emergency plans.
• Regularly review safety practices.

Victoria

Legislation: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC)

Farm employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, including addressing risks specific to lone workers.

Simple Terms:

• Clearly identify potential dangers.
• Establish procedures to regularly check on lone workers.
• Ensure proper training and emergency preparedness.

Queensland

Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD)

Employers are required to take steps to minimise risks associated with lone work through risk assessments and implementing practical safety measures.

Simple Terms:

• Conduct regular safety assessments.
• Provide reliable communication tools for emergencies.
• Implement effective emergency response protocols.

South Australia

Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)

South Australian law mandates proactive management of hazards facing lone workers, emphasising clear communication and support systems.

Simple Terms:

• Regularly assess lone worker safety.
• Maintain continuous and effective communication.
• Develop and practice emergency procedures.

Western Australia

Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)

WA legislation requires comprehensive management of lone worker risks, ensuring clear procedures for identifying, assessing, and managing these risks.

Simple Terms:

• Identify potential hazards specific to lone work.
• Provide suitable emergency communication tools.
• Implement and regularly update lone worker safety protocols.

Tasmania

Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (TAS)

Tasmanian farms must comply by identifying risks and actively managing them through proper training, communication, and emergency response strategies.

Simple Terms:

• Ensure lone workers have adequate training and safety resources.
• Keep clear communication channels open.
• Establish and regularly update emergency plans.

Northern Territory

Legislation: Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT)

Employers in the NT must prioritise lone worker safety, providing appropriate measures for monitoring and emergency response.

Simple Terms:

• Identify and manage unique remote working hazards.
• Equip workers with reliable communication methods.
• Clearly define and practice emergency response plans.

Australian Capital Territory

Legislation: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT)

ACT farms must actively manage lone worker risks, focusing on clear communication, risk assessment, and prompt emergency response.

Simple Terms:

• Clearly identify lone worker safety hazards.
• Establish reliable communication protocols.
• Regularly practice and update emergency preparedness measures.

Key Steps for Compliance Across All States and Territories:

• Risk Assessment: Regularly identify and review hazards.
• Communication: Ensure workers have effective and reliable communication methods.
• Emergency Response: Develop, practice, and regularly update emergency response plans.
• Training: Provide ongoing safety training specific to lone work scenarios.

Conclusion

Compliance with lone worker laws across Australian jurisdictions involves understanding local requirements and consistently applying safety best practices. AirAgri’s advanced lone-worker solutions can help you meet these obligations by providing reliable monitoring, communication, and real-time response capabilities tailored specifically to farming operations.

For more detailed information or assistance, visit airagri.com.au.