Cotton Australia recently hosted a webinar to step through changing work health and safety expectations, with a focus on what growers need to do on farm.

Work health and safety consultant Josh Ingham told growers that agriculture is now a priority for regulators, following a national strategy led by Safe Work Australia.

That shift means greater scrutiny of farm businesses, with increased inspections and higher expectations around compliance.

See the webinar slides

Documentation is essential

A key takeaway from the session was the importance of documentation.

While many growers are already training staff, maintaining equipment and managing risks, the expectation is now to record those activities. Without documented proof, regulators will treat it as if it hasn’t happened.

This includes inductions, training, maintenance, and safety discussions.

What inspectors are looking for, focus areas for regulators:

• Evidence of training, licences and inductions
• Pre-start checks and maintenance records
• Safe use of machinery and equipment
• Emergency planning, including medical response
• Management of fatigue and worker wellbeing

Inspections can occur without notice and are often triggered by incidents on nearby farms.

Fatigue and wellbeing on the radar

Growers were also told that psychosocial risks, including fatigue, mental health and workplace behaviour, are receiving increased attention.

These risks must now be managed proactively, with systems in place and evidence they are being used.

Shared responsibility across the farm

Changes to legislation mean responsibility for safety is now broader.

While business owners and managers still carry overall accountability, workers, contractors and even casual staff can also be held responsible for unsafe or negligent behaviour.

Start with the basics

Josh stated the best place to start was with the basics - start simple and build over time.

Practical steps include running toolbox talks, inducting all staff and contractors, recording maintenance, and involving workers in identifying risks.

He also also highlighted the value of the myBMP program as a strong foundation, with growers encouraged to build on existing systems.

The overall message was clear: most farms are already doing a lot right, but documenting those actions and showing continuous improvement is now critical.

View the sides from the webinar

WHS Support

Josh Ingham is the founder of Ingham & Co, a farm safety and leadership consultancy working alongside agricultural businesses across Australia. With a background in farming and years spent supporting growers on the ground, Josh helps farms implement practical systems that protect people and keep businesses compliant without unnecessary complexity.

Need help navigating a WHS issue or strengthening your safety systems? Full Cotton Australia levy payers are entitled to a complimentary 30-minute WHS consultation with Josh Ingham from Ingham & Co. Get in touch.