Don’t be a farm statistic
According to the Australian Centre for Agriculture Health and Safety, on-farm injury deaths were counted at 63 throughout Australia in 2016. A slight decrease on 2015 (73) with an overall nine of the deaths being children. Main causes were tractors, quad bikes and other farm machinery.
Further highlighting the need for continued improvement, the numbers of deaths in agriculture for 2016 were more than double the combined total of those in mining and construction.
Plant & equipment, chemicals, noise, dust, sun exposure and working with animals, the combination of hazards found in farming as well as the context in which farm work is done, make farming one of the most dangerous industries in which to work.
Five simple steps can be taken to ensure your safety is a priority.
- Recognise the hazards of farming in general.
- Understand the nature of specific hazards you may experience when farming and use precautions to decrease the risk of injury.
- Prepare an emergency plan for potential hazards, including response to chemical spills, evacuation and injuries.
- Have an emergency communication plan in place, including contact information for emergency services etc.
- Have a well stocked first aid supply kit, water, torches and other items that may help in an emergency situation.
Planning for your safety in the same way that you plan your farming activities will go a long way to reducing incidents, not only the impacts they have on you, but also on your family and your community.
Find out how we can help you do this.