Calls to Stay Safe on Farms

BY GARY LYSAGHT

With more than 70 fatalities last year, the National Rural Health Alliance is calling on all Hunter farmers to stay safe on their properties.

One death occurred on a farm every five days in 2015 [Image Source: The Australian]

It comes during Farm Safety Week, which aims to shine a light on the ways in which farmers and farm visitors can be safer.

Half of all deaths take place when heavy machinery is involved, including quad bikes and tractors.

Children make up 20 percent of all fatalities, with the most common cause of death being drowning.

The Rural Health Alliance has called on farmers to identify the hazards and practice safe work practices, as well as take proper safety measures while working.

“However, to create real change, safety has to become embedded in the farm workplace psyche and awareness must extend to everybody on the property including children,” the Alliance said in a statement.

“Visitors to farms must also be factored into safety planning and be made aware of hazards.

“Sadly, 30 percent of child deaths on farms were from visiting children.”

Richard Chamen

Chairman of the NSW Farmers Industrial Relations Committee, Richard Chamen says quad bikes are a leading cause for concern because of the threat they pose to farmer safety.

“Quad bikes can be a very dangerous thing and people get out on quads that don’t really know what they’re doing, they just jump on and go,” he said.

“There’s been over 200 accidents on quad bikes that caused death over the past couple of years.”

Chamen praised the State Government’s rebate program for measures to make quad bikes safer, including a $300 rebate for those who install roll-bars on their bike.

“Also, there’s a $500 rebate given out to people for the side-by-sides,” Chamen said.

“Its good aspects, especially in farm safety work to have the Government promoting and doing things for the benefit of farmers to save lives.”