The Hidden Dangers of Working as a Rural Real Estate and Stock & Station Agent

Written By CJ Baldry

A Routine Workday Turns into a Nightmare

Jack*, a seasoned Stock & Station Agent, had spent the day inspecting remote cattle properties, assisting a client with a property valuation, and organising an upcoming livestock sale. As he wrapped up for the day, he called his boss from the last property before heading home. With no GPS tracking, check-in system, or journey management policy in place, there was only an assumption that he would make it back safely.

On the long and lonely stretch of rural highway, Jack’s ute hit a patch of loose gravel. His tyres lost traction, and in an instant, he veered off the road, slamming into a tree. With no mobile service, no tracking system, and no one expecting a mandatory check-in, Jack remained stranded and injured. Hours passed, and when he didn’t arrive home, his boss assumed he had stopped somewhere along the way. No one raised the alarm—no policy required it.

This avoidable tragedy exposes significant risks—not just for Jack, but for his employer and the business as a whole.


The Risks & Exposures in Rural Real Estate and Stock & Station Work

1. Risks to the Agent (Jack)

✅ Personal Safety & Well-being Risks

  • No emergency communication—Jack had no way to call for help due to no mobile service and no GPS tracking.

  • No business safety protocol—No one was required to check if he arrived home.

  • Increased risk of exposure and injury deterioration—Jack could suffer hypothermia, dehydration, or worsening injuries without help.

✅ Psychological & Mental Well-being Risks

  • Increased stress and anxiety working alone in isolated locations with no direct contact or support system.

  • Potential PTSD or trauma if Jack survives but lacks adequate mental health support from his employer.

2. Risks to the Business (Employer)

✅ Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) Compliance Breach

  • Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, employers have a legal duty of care to ensure employees’ safety while working, including during work-related travel.

  • Failing to implement a journey management system or remote worker safety protocols could result in a breach of WHS regulations.

✅ Legal Liability & Fines

  • The business could face serious legal action for negligence and failure to provide a safe system of work.

  • Potential fines from SafeWork Australia or WorkSafe NSW for non-compliance with WHS laws.

  • A possible workers' compensation claim due to inadequate risk management procedures.

✅ Reputational Damage

  • Public backlash and damage to employer reputation if it is revealed that no safety measures or check-in protocols were in place.

  • Loss of clients, employees, and industry credibility due to perceived lack of duty of care.

3. Risks to the Industry & Compliance Failures

✅ Failure to Meet WHS & Journey Management Requirements

  • Work Health and Safety (WHS) Laws require businesses to identify and manage risks to employees, even when working remotely.

  • Journey Management Plans are a standard safety requirement in industries with remote work but are often overlooked in real estate.

  • Employer obligations under the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice for Remote and Isolated Work were not met.

✅ Insurance Risks & Financial Exposure

  • Workers' compensation premiums may increase if the business has a history of negligence-related claims.

  • If Jack dies or suffers permanent injuries, the employer may face wrongful death claims or lawsuits from his family.

  • Professional indemnity and public liability insurance risks, if it is determined that the business did not enforce basic safety policies.

What Should Have Been in Place?

A robust journey management system and WHS compliance framework could have prevented or significantly reduced the risks.

1. Journey Management Policy & Risk Controls

✔ Mandatory Check-ins – Agents must check in with a designated contact at key points in their journey.
✔ GPS Tracking & Lone Worker Devices – Live location tracking or a duress alarm system in case of an emergency.
✔ Emergency Response Plan – Clear procedures on what to do if an agent does not check in within a specified timeframe.

2. WHS Compliance & Safe Work Practices

✔ Risk Assessments for Remote Work – Identifying hazards and ensuring agents carry emergency satellite communication devices.
✔ Work Travel Guidelines – Ensuring agents plan their route, have vehicle safety kits, and access emergency contacts.
✔ Training & Awareness Programs – Educating agents on how to stay safe in isolated locations and emergency protocols.


Final Thoughts: No Excuses for Inaction

Jack’s story isn’t unique—real estate and stock & station agents regularly travel long distances, visit remote properties, and work alone. Without proper governance, journey management policies, and WHS compliance, it’s only a matter of time before an agency faces severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

The Industry Must Take Action.

✔ Directors & decision-makers must take workplace safety seriously—not just for compliance, but for their employees’ well-being.
✔ Implementing robust journey management & remote worker safety policies should be a non-negotiable standard.
✔ Agencies that embrace governance, compliance, and risk mitigation will be industry leaders, trusted by employees and clients alike.

🚨 Are you confident your agency is protecting its employees and business? Let’s start the conversation today. Your people—and your business—depend on it.

Here is a FREE HANDBOOK to ask yourself… “What is my Risk?”

CJ Baldry
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