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In Safe Hands: Tips for Wellbeing and Safety in Agriculture.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in society, supplying the food and resources we need for our everyday lives. What many don’t know is that farm work comes with its own set of unique challenges and risks. That’s why ensuring the wellbeing and safety of those involved in agriculture is vital.
Based on Farm Safety Week’s theme, “In Safe Hands”, we've curated a collection of blogs, exploring various aspects of farm safety from emotional intelligence to practical measures. Hopefully these provide valuable insights into current trends and guide you with actionable tasks to help lighten the load. At the end of the day its important to remember you’re not alone.
Farm Safety Week 2024
In 2024 from the 14 - 20 July, join the conversation by following our social media channels and using the below hashtags. We'll be posting daily blogs for you to engage with—like, comment, and share to spread the word!
Daily Topics
Sunday 14 July - Launch of the 'In Safe Hands' theme and the 2024 Safer Farms Report
Monday 15 July - Support and Wellbeing
Tuesday 16 July - Active Supervision of Children on Farms
Wednesday 17 July - Lone & Remote Working: The Importance of First Aid Training
Thursday 18 July - Livestock Handling
Friday 19 July - Ageing on Farm
Saturday 20 July - Vehicle and Machinery Safety
#Farmsafeaustralia #insafehands #farmsafety #nationalfarmsafetyweek #farmsafetyweek #keepsafekeepfarming #FSW24 #safeagsystems
Remember to sign up to up blog so you don’t miss out on the daily themes!
Support and Wellbeing
We are responsible for the workplace environment we create. It's important for workers to feel safe and secure in order to perform at their best. No matter the size, all farmers should prioritise the safety and well-being of their staff - both physically and psychologically.
Psychological safety is often overlooked compared to physical safety, yet it plays a crucial role in creating productive and efficient work environments. Did you know that psychological hazards can be managed using the same risk management process used to manage physical threats?
Active Supervision of Children on Farms
Farm life provides special chances for learning, but safety should always come first. Parents need to be attentive and ensure that children are always supervised around any potential hazards. It can be hard to distinguish between the farm as a home and a workplace, putting family members, like children, in danger of being exposed to farming hazards. Make sure to take into account the age and stage of development of your children, as these aspects can increase the dangers they may encounter.
Lone and Remote Working: The Importance of First Aid Training
Lone and remote workers face additional risks due to their isolation. Immediate access to first aid can be a matter of life and death. Regular first aid training ensures that workers can respond effectively to emergencies.
Solo work can mean putting in long hours that are not very social, with demanding physical and mental tasks. What are the risks for lone workers?
Livestock Handling
Working with animals means engaging with big creatures on farms and in agricultural settings. The attitudes and actions of animals vary based on their species, breed, gender, and the season. Handling livestock can be tough on the body and demands a keen focus on the animals. Understanding animal behavior is essential for preventing dangerous situations. Working with livestock such as cattle, sheep, horses, poultry, and dogs is a regular responsibility, but it comes with its own set of risks.
Ageing on Farm
Our industry is full of uncertainties, but it's human nature to try to manage what we can. Farmers deal with unpredictable weather, changing regulations, fluctuating prices, and interest rates. Some thrive in this environment, while others find it daunting.
It's common for farming businesses to see two types of change occurring at the same time: a younger generation taking on leadership roles and an older generation approaching retirement. These changes can bring about very different emotions, so it's important to be mindful of that. Sometimes, change can make us focus only on ourselves and overlook the potential for excitement. Some individuals might find themselves getting caught up in feelings of anger, anxiety, or sadness.
Vehicle and Machinery Safety
Don't forget that wearing a seat belt is mandatory in Australia. While farm work can be risky, we don't have to simply tolerate it as part of the job. We emphasize the importance of fitting Tractor ROPS, correctly wearing PPE, and safeguarding against augers - wearing a seat belt is a basic safety precaution in comparison to the potential risks. It's quite strange that we're discussing this issue at all. It's a topic that sparks intense debate within the farming community - a seat belt is only effective when it's worn.
Disclaimer: Content on this website may be of relevance to users outside of Australia, but content links and examples are specific to Australia. Please check with your local authority for your country and industry requirements.
