It might seem like common sense - when you get into a vehicle, you put your seat belt on. There are enough risks in daily farm life, so why are we ready to roll the dice over something so simple?
On a daily basis you’re operating a number of farm vehicles - utes, tractors, side-by-sides and trucks. You’re most likely getting in and out, numerous times a day, as you move across the farm. Have you ever thought about the potential consequences of not wearing a seat belt? There are so many opportunities to improve farm safety - when you’re mustering, transporting livestock, moving hay bales, carrying equipment, spraying the field or simply just driving around the farm.
We can hear you now, “I know this property like the back of my hand, I don’t need to wear a seat belt”. It feels a little odd that we are even writing about this topic. A topic that is so hotly debated amongst the agricultural community - a seat belt can only do its job when you wear it.
The unfortunate reality is that accidents can happen.
In 2023 Agrifutures recorded 15 on-farm deaths that were caused by a farm vehicle, with another 8 caused by mobile farm machinery. It's hard to stomach that some of these deaths were preventable.
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The grain farmer was getting the auger ready to transfer grain from the silo to a truck. The auger had a seat but no seat belt. As he was moving it passed the silo and reversing it up a gentle incline, it tipped over, causing the farmer to be thrown from the seat.
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A 51-year-old man in Narromine passed away after being thrown from a moving side-by-side vehicle during farm work. Early investigations indicate that he was not wearing a seat belt.
Farmers, Don't Forget: Seat Belts Save Lives Too!
We shouldn’t have to remind you that wearing a seat belt is mandatory in Australia. Or that farm work is notorious for being unsafe - that doesn’t mean we have to accept it as part of the job. We talk about Tractor ROPS being fitted, PPE being worn correctly and safeguarding augers - wearing a seat belt feels like a simple safety measure when compared to potential consequences.
Seat belts have been widely recognised as an effective method to mitigate risks in the agricultural industry. By securely fastening seat belts, farmers can significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries or fatalities in the event of an incident - a collision or rollover. This safety precaution is particularly crucial in farming, where heavy machinery and unpredictable terrain pose inherent dangers.
Employers have the duty to control health and safety risks in the workplace. This means eliminating risks where possible and when it is reasonable. If a risk cannot be eliminated, it should be minimised as much as possible. Seat belts can help manage the risk of being ejected from a farm vehicle.
Most modern farm vehicles should be fitted with a seat belt:
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utes, cars, vans
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side-by-sides
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trucks
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forklifts
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heavy machinery
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tractors and other agricultural vehicles
There are more important reasons why you should buckle up.
Seat belt usage should be a non-negotiable habit every time you get behind the wheel. It only takes a few seconds to fasten your seat belt, but it can make a world of difference in the event of an accident.
If you're a farm owner or manager, you’re also a role model. By consistently wearing your seat belt, you can encourage them to do the same. This can create a culture of safety on the farm, where everyone understands the importance of buckling up before driving any vehicle.
What else can you do?
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Check that your seat belts are in good working condition
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Have regular talks about the importance of wearing a seat belt
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Document in your inductions, policies and procedures that wearing a seat belt in a farm vehicle is mandatory
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Have seat belts retrofitted by a qualified professional if they are not already present
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Wear your seat belt properly - don’t bypass seat belts that are connected to the ignition or speed limiter by fastening them behind you
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Fasten your seat belt and make sure it's securely in place, whether you're operating a tractor, side-by-side, or any other farm vehicle with an enclosed cabin
By making it a routine to wear seat belts, you are taking a proactive step towards ensuring your safety and the safety of those riding with you. It's better to be safe than sorry, so make it a habit to always wear your seat belt on the farm, no matter how short the distance you're driving.
Topics: Safety Management Software, Farm Safety Week
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