The absence of backpackers and seasonal workers due to COVID has not only led to labour shortages, but also greater health and safety risks for farm workers. Many of these workers are entering farming environments for the first time and…
When’s the only time that a worker will complain that there are no band aids left? During audits and walk through inspections our team sees First Aid Kits stored in cupboards or shelves covered in dust. Many of the contents…
Sexual harassment and discrimination have featured heavily as the subject of a number of news headlines over the last few weeks. Farmers are encouraged to disseminate their sexual harassment policies to make clear to their employees that they take these…
We’re excited to announce that we’ve recently launched our new Making Our Farms Safer project social media channels. Now you can follow us on: Where you can keep up to date with the latest farm safety news, be first to…
Late last year Standards Australia released a new Standard AS 5340 “Livestock loading/unloading ramps & forcing pens” for the industry. The Standard was created on the back of a Coronial recommendation following a fatal accident which occurred in 2013. The…
WorkSafe Victoria have introduced a new Farm Safety Category into its annual safety awards, which are allocated during WorkSafe Month, in October, each year. The new award category acknowledges individuals or businesses who have made a significant difference and tangible…
There has been a marked increase in the purchase of quad bikes over the last few months, which has in part been attributed to the declarations by some of the major quad bike manufacturers that they will withdraw from the…
As part of its ‘Safer Farms’ election commitment to address skills and safety issues in the agriculture sector, the Victorian Government has provided new funding under the ‘Making Our Farms Safer’ initiative. This funding has enabled the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to…
There’s no doubt that agriculture is one of the most challenging, varied and rewarding jobs that people can choose to do. But it’s also one of the most dangerous environments to work in. It’s a confronting fact that, last year,…
A new offence of workplace manslaughter has been introduced into Victorian occupational health and safety laws and applies to a workplace death that occurs after 1 July 2020. The offence may also apply even when the death of the person…
Not sure about how to do a risk assessment? The NFF, together with Safe Work Australia, have partnered to bring you two short videos with four simple steps to guide you through the legal process. Watch these videos and you’ll…
The subject of child safety on farms has been well documented in the past. However, with the recent release of the coroner’s report which investigated the tragic events of last year where a four year old child was fatally injured…