WorkSafe urges farmers to think about safety

FARMERS are being warned that a simple choice can have tragic consequences and that they must plan ahead and prioritise safety in each and every task.

This week is National Farm Safety Week (July 16-22), and the warning from WorkSafe follows 12 workplace deaths from incidents on Victorian farms since July 2017.

Six people have died as a result of on-farm workplace incidents since January 1, which is half of all workplace deaths that have occurred in Victoria so far this year.

The plea to put safety first comes as National Farm Safety Week highlights the many simple things that farmers can do to make their workplaces safer for themselves, workers and family members.

WorkSafe head of hazardous industries and industry practice Michael Coffey said too many farm deaths were the result of one decision, often made in haste.

“There is no disputing there are all kinds of risks in farming. The work can be awkward and arduous, it can involve machinery, heavy lifting and dealing with large and unpredictable animals.

“But fatalities and serious injuries occurring on farms are also being caused by the way in which the work is being done, or by people not using available safety devices.

“It is people not wearing helmets while riding motorbikes or quadbikes, not wearing fitted seat belts, not making sure guards are in place following maintenance, working too close to moving vehicles, or one person trying to do every task themselves rather than asking for help.

He said keeping safety front of mind for each task was crucial to making farming workplaces safer.

“Experience doesn’t prevent fatalities or injuries on farms. Carrying out the same tasks every day can often lead to complacency and people taking short cuts to save time or money.

“But time and money mean nothing to the loved ones left behind.

“Think about the task at hand and how it can be carried out safely. This may mean using the right equipment for the job, calling in specialist contractors, or if it involves working alone, letting someone know where you will be.”