Farm safety is crucial for good farm management

A timely reminder for all of us to stay safe on farm and remind those around us to think about safety.  

Unfortunately, as many of you would know – farm deaths made up 14 out of the 27 work related deaths in Victoria in 2017 and quad bikes are the biggest cause of deaths on Australian farms.

That’s why the Victorian Government recently launched a new program to improve safety across agricultural industries and support workers to adopt new and emerging technology.

In October 2018, the Victorian Government announced $20 million in funding for the new Victorian Agriculture Skills Statement: Smarter, Safer Farms. This initiative will partner with the Victorian Farmers Federation and other industry leaders to deliver a safety and wellbeing campaign and education programs that will bring enduring cultural change.

The Smarter, Safer Farms program will include $10 million in farm safety and wellbeing initiatives to change Victoria’s farm safety culture and reduce the number of deaths and injuries on farms. It will also deliver a $10 million skills program, focused on training in financial literacy, risk management, farm planning and adaptation to climate change.

Click here to read more about Victoria’s Agriculture skills statement: Smarter, Safer Farms.

Quad Bike Rebates

The Victorian Government through WorkSafe Victoria is encouraging farmers to take part in a $6 million rebate scheme for approved safety solutions to help reduce quad bike deaths.

Click here to view the rebate, which is being administered by the Victorian Farmers Federation.

Tools and Guides to make quad bikes safer

WorkSafe have launched a range of videos and tools on quad bike safety. Click here to view.