Farm Safety Week: Looking after our WA Agricultural Communities

July is marked by National Farm Safety Week – a crucial reminder of the significance of safety measures and practices within the agricultural sector. In Western Australia, this annual initiative plays an important role in enhancing awareness about the importance of safety on farms and educating people about the latest safety practices and strategies. The initiative emphasises the adoption of best practices and the utilisation of appropriate safety equipment. 

The theme of Farm Safety Week 2024 is “In Safe Hands” and focuses on farmers and their families staying safe in their day-to-day tasks and how on-farm safety culture makes a difference to business.

The ultimate goal of Farm Safety Week is to foster a strong safety culture within Western Australia’s farming communities. As a key business within the agricultural sector, FarmCo is 100% behind making our farming communities safer.

For us, machinery and farm tool safety is a particularly high priority, so we’re taking this opportunity to share our top safety tips. 

Safety in the farm workshop:

• Never remove or modify the machinery’s safety features, and ensure that all safety guards are fitted in good condition. 

• Fully train everyone in the operation and the safety procedures for any machinery they are using. If they are using forklifts, ensure that they are fully licensed. 

• Ensure safety signs are in place to indicate operational machinery is in use and adhere to the speed signs.

• Ensure proper loading and ute restraint measures are in place when loading vehicles.

• Always have a well-stocked first-aid kit and a chemical spill kit in an easily accessible and signed area. 

• Have MSDSs (Material Safety Data Sheets) on hand for hazardous chemicals.

• Ensure all staff have been through the safety action plans in the event of a chemical spill.

• Conduct regular testing of safety equipment (e.g. eye and chemical showers).

Safety for tractors and forklifts:

• Make sure they are always in good condition (do a daily general maintenance check before use) and that any faulty parts are immediately tagged and repaired or replaced. 

• Ensure they all have seatbelts, and that their steps and control pedals are in a clean, non-slip condition. 

• Keep a detailed logbook of services and repairs. 

Not following correct safety precautions is not worth the risk. With 55 farmers losing their lives on farms in 2022, it is clear that agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries to work in and that addressing farm safety is vital.  By actively participating in Farm Safety Week, we can make a difference to the safety culture and work towards preventing tragedies on farms. Open conversations and sharing of experiences help motivate all of us to keep safety in mind and make it a priority.

By coming together as a community, we can create a safer environment for everyone involved in the agricultural industry in WA. Together, we can make a difference, reduce farm accidents and ensure the well-being of our agricultural communities.

Keep an eye on the Farmsafe Australia website for updates and events. If you need advice or assistance with any safety concerns on your farm, speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team at FarmCo today on (08) 9651 1312.