Working Alone on Farms

admin • June 10, 2025

Farm workers are often working alone and in an isolated location where there is no assistance from others and often limited or no communication.

Remote or isolated work often includes working alone and outdoors and it may be difficult to get help in an emergency. Access can be long and difficult and there may be limited access to resources. On top of this, there is less access to support networks and communication and technology may be unreliable or absent.


All these factors can add to the risk of the work. These unique challenges should all form part of the thinking when working to create a safer workplace for those working on farms.


The duty to provide a safe workplace sits with the employer, who has a legal requirement to provide a safe workplace for the workers on the farm. Often the employer may also work on the farm themselves, and the same hazards will pose a risk to them too. Implementing some controls to help reduce the risk of working alone on farms can help ensure that everyone gets home alive and well, including the employer/ farm owner.


The control measures will depend on the exact type of work being conducted on the farm, but things to think about may include:

  • Monitoring weather conditions and emergency warnings
  • Ensuring some form of communication is available
  • Providing personal distress beacons
  • Ensuring all personnel have a first aid kit and are trained in how to use it
  • Implementing a buddy system to reduce the time spent working alone
  • Additional training provided to reduce the impact of isolated work
  • Mental health support


Farming will usually involve work which is dangerous, including machinery, powerlines, heights, animals, chemicals, and the list goes on. All these risks need to be controlled to a level which is reasonably practicable, but they become more dangerous when the worker is working alone or in an isolated location. Often even the most basic issue is not adequately dealt with – how to call for help?


One of the most important issues is to consider is: Is there are reliable means of emergency communication? You must consider how you will know if something has gone wrong and how to locate the person in the case of an emergency. You may like to think about:

  • Is there a check in procedure?
  • Do you have a location system?
  • Do you have a satellite communication or radio if there is no phone signal?
  • Do you have an Emergency Locator Beacon with GPS for use in case of an emergency?
  • If you have mobile coverage, have you considered using Emergency Phone Apps?



For more information on this topic, including on how to develop emergency procedures, take a look at:

Working alone on farms | WorkSafe Victoria and Working alone or in remote areas | Safe Work Australia


It really is important to take the time to consider the risk of working on farms, especially when alone and in isolation. Not only do we need to do this to fulfil the legal duties under the OHS Act - but most of all, to make sure we all make it home at the end of the day.

Safety Starts with BeSafe Victoria

By admin • July 28, 2025
When it comes to workplace safety, the stakes are high. When it comes to safety training, BeSafe Victoria has emerged as a leader, setting the gold standard for occupational health and safety (OHS) education in Regional Victoria. Here’s why they stand out as the best safety trainers: 1. Passion for Safety At BeSafe Victoria, safety isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Their team lives and breathes safety education, driven by a genuine passion for creating safer workplaces. BeSafe Victoria’s team is driven by a genuine commitment to creating safer workplaces. Their approach makes their training impactful and memorable. 2. WorkSafe-Approved As a WorkSafe-approved provider , BeSafe Victoria ensures their courses meet the highest standards. Their Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training courses include 5 Day HSR Initial OHS Training and 1 Day HSR Refresher OHS Training Courses. This stamp of approval ensures participants receive credible and up-to-date training, with the added benefit of BeSafe’s passionate delivery and follow-up support. 3. Regional Reach with Local Expertise Although headquartered in Ballarat, BeSafe Victoria’s impact extends far beyond. Their experienced trainers are available to deliver courses across all regional areas of Victoria, ensuring that even remote workplaces have access to top-tier safety education. BeSafe have booked courses in Morwell, Shepparton, Wodonga, Ararat, Portland, Traralgon, Bendigo and more. This regional focus makes them an invaluable resource throughout the state – booking courses anywhere there is a demand – just get in touch. BeSafe is passional about bringing OHS training to where it is needed most – in Regional Victoria. 4. Ongoing Suppor t Beyond Training Their commitment doesn’t end with training - BeSafe is committed to providing ongoing support. BeSafe offers free follow-up support and assistance to help their network of participants after they finish training and are working to resolve safety issues in their workplace. 5. Leaders training for Every Workplace BeSafe knows that being a great leader means understanding your OHS obligations. They also understand that many managers and supervisors don’t feel confident that they have enough OHS knowledge. That’s why BeSafe have developed a Leaders Introduction to OHS Course – to help managers and supervisors develop their OHS Leadership skills and understanding. Safety Starts with BeSafe Victoria In a world where workplace safety can mean the difference between life and death, choosing the right training provider is crucial. BeSafe Victoria’s passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make them the clear choice for Regional Victorians. Ready to take the first step toward a safer workplace? BeSafe Victoria is here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch at: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria

List of Victoria's Biggest OHS Offenders

By admin • July 14, 2025
An updated list has been published of The ‘BIGGEST BIGGEST OFFENDERS’ in OHS Crimes . This list names and shames the companies which have been deemed worthy of the largest fines handed down by judges for offences under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 . It makes an interesting, albeit sobering, read. The list (see below) has been compiled and published by the OHSIntros BLOG and has recently been updated with offenders from the last 2 years. In the last 35 years, according to OHSIntros ’ records, there have been 31 cases which have incurred a fine over $500,000. These companies have been collectively responsible for the deaths of 23 workers and a number of other serious incidents. 21 of these incidents involved plant, thus representing the majority of the cases. The incidents are all horrific, with many involving crushing, entrapment and falls – leading to violent deaths and horrendous injuries. The top fine was a penalty of $3 million, as a result of LH Holdings Management Pty Ltd being charged under Workplace Manslaughter Legislation and fined in 2024. A number of high-profile cases can be seen on this list. However, there are many well known cases which are not featured here, due to the fact that their sentences did not hit the $500K threshold. This perhaps raises concerns relating to The Sentencing of OHS Offences in Victoria . The list is a sobering one, listing a series of gruesome and tragic deaths – the result of safety crimes. In the words of OHSIntros’ – these are “the worst of crimes because [they] could have been prevented.” Image sourced from OHSIntros BLOG: https://www.facebook.com/100064446622188/posts/1127076076117269/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v *OHS Intros is a Workplace Safety page which provides ‘training, documentation and advice on Workplace Safety’: Facebook