Dairyfarmers are being urged to play their part in helping the industry aim for zero deaths and serious injuries on Australian dairy farms.
To mark Farm Safety Week, which starts today, Dairy Australia is highlighting an expanded farm safety program developed on the back of a tragic 2016, which saw six people lose their lives on dairy farms.
DA chair Jeff Odgers, who survived a serious farm accident in 2002, called on the entire industry to rally behind the target.
“Dairy farms are tragically overrepresented in workplace deaths,” Mr Odgers said.
“The only acceptable number of fatalities is zero, but on average, two people are killed each year on Australian dairy farms.
“We all have a responsibility to build safer work environments on dairy farms and DA is urging everyone working in the dairy industry to pause and think about what’s at stake.”
Mr Odgers said someone was seriously injured every day on the nation’s dairy farms.
“We’re talking about people’s mums and dads, sons and daughters – one death on a dairy farm, or serious injury, is one too many. Every death on farm is preventable,” he said.
“In the blink of an eye, something unexpected can happen that changes your life forever.”
To keep people safe on farm, DA is rolling out its suite of resources to support farmers implement a culture of safety that will save lives.
“There are tools and support in place to help farmers create a safe environment for themselves, their workers and their families,” Mr Odgers said.
All resources were developed with close farmer involvement, specifically for farmers.
“Every farmer is encouraged to reach for DA’s Farm Safety Starter Kit and do a quick safety scan of their farm with an easy to use checklist,” Mr Odgers said.
“They can then use the comprehensive Farm Safety Manual to develop action plans to counteract hazards in all aspects of farm life from working with machinery and quad bikes to fencing off waterways and working in confined spaces.”
DA’s Farm Safety Starter Kit, Farm Safety Manual and workshops across Australia have been designed to assist farmers complete a quick safety scan of their property before guiding them through the development of a comprehensive safety program.
SA’s dairyfarmers can access DA’s Farm Safety tools at dairyaustralia.com.au and can register for upcoming workshops by contacting DairySA.
