WARWICK'S number one industry also turns out to be the most dangerous in the country.

Research released this week, compiled from the latest Safe Work Australia data, names agriculture, forestry and fishing as the most dangerous industry in Australia for the third year in a row.

In 2016 alone, the industry had 44 fatalities and more than 3500 serious injuries.

Transport, postal and warehousing came in second, followed by construction and manufacturing.

Southern Downs farmers are well aware they make their living in a potentially dangerous industry, but local grazier and former AgForce chairman Ben Cory said accidents sometimes happened, but the majority were preventable.

"Farmers these days have so much exposure to various different workplace health and safety seminars,” he said.

"It's true though, the agriculture industry hasn't got a great name and that's down to a number of factors.

"Quite often farmers have to work alone, and possibly do certain things they probably shouldn't.

"Understanding the machinery you're working with is key, but in most cases the big thing is common sense.

"It might sound silly, but set out some farm rules that apply to family and anyone else that's working there.”

At Freestone Feedlot, tonnes of grain are milled weekly to feed the lot's 1000 head of cattle.

Mill manager Scott Coy said the mill was the main area on the farm where you needed to be on your guard.

"There lots of machines and moving parts,” he said.

"We're constantly training and reviewing but in the end it's all down to on-the-job awareness and common sense while working in here.

"Trainers from Rural Training Australia are here often, taking our guys through safe practices and procedure. It's so important to get home safely.”

Feedlot owner Cliff Shelley said safety came down to training but rested with the individual.

"You can do all the training you want, but if someone isn't paying attention on the job, then accidents can happen,” he said.