WITH people aged over 60 years accounting for 44 per cent of on-farm fatalities, Farmsafe Australia is today turning the spotlight on enhancing safety for agriculture's aging workforce. 

As part of National Farm Safety Week, the organisation is highlighting simple and practical behaviours, habits and skills that can be implemented to improve safety culture on Australian farms. 

Its "In Safe Hands" campaign is addressing six topics throughout the week, with producers across the country sharing how they develop practical solutions to work, health and safety challenges, and implement them effectively on farm.

Farmsafe said as the agricultural workforce ages, it is crucial to address the unique safety challenges faced by older farmers. It said the physical demands of the job, combined with the natural effects of aging, such as reduced strength, slower reaction times, and declining vision and hearing, increases the risk of injuries. 

"To mitigate these risks, farmers can adopt several strategies, including modifying the way a job is done to be less physically demanding, succession planning, and regular trips to the GP to monitor health," Farmsafe said. 

IMPLEMENTING SAFETY STRATEGIES AT KIELLI COTTON 

Dryland cotton producer, Jamie Grant, from Jimbour Queensland, has been farming for over forty years. In today's video for the campaign, he talks about implementing new strategies to minimise the risk of injury. 

Grant said people tend to lose concentration when completing mundane tasks, which creates a workplace hazard. To help overcome this, he started pushing the use of robotic spray rigs on the farm around four years ago, which now takes care of one such job. Read more about Grant's experience with SwarmFarm units in Farming Ahead's June 2023 Research Report: Autonomy Arises. 

Grant also acknowledges the importance of mixing the experience of older farmers with younger workers. He said older workers need to stay fit and alert, and keep their brains active, but can also ask for help when needed. He added older workers have got a lot of experience to offer the younger generation. 

TOOLS AND SUPPORT FOR SUPPORTING AGING FARMERS

Farmsafe chair, Felicity Richards, said aging farmers are the backbone of agricultural heritage. 

"It is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools and support needed to work safely and continue their invaluable contribution," she added. 

 "By making simple adjustments to work routines and providing targeted information and training, we can significantly reduce the risk of injury and promote a healthier working environment.

"Jamie's implementation of robotics shows us firsthand how adapting tasks and incorporating new technologies can make a big difference. 

"We owe it to our older farmers to make sure they feel safe and valued on the job by finding new ways for them to continue to contribute to the business."

Farmsafe Australia is encouraging producers to consider new strategies to help them mitigate the risks that are a natural part of aging on farm. Some of the strategies it recommends include: 

• Modify tasks to be less physically demanding, which may mean investing in new technologies, using ergonomic tools, automating heavy lifting with machinery, and redesigning workflows to reduce physical strain.
• Regular education and training, which can be tailored to the needs of older workers to ensure they are aware of increased health and wellbeing risks and new technologies that can make tasks safer.
• Preparing the next generation to take over more physically demanding tasks, which involves mentoring and gradually transferring responsibilities to younger family members or employees. 
• Promoting regular health check-ups and providing access to wellness programs, to help older farmers stay physically fit and mentally sharp. 
• Allowing older farmers to work flexible hours or part-time to help manage fatigue and reduce stress.

MORE INFORMATION

The latest "In Safe Hands" video featuring Jamie Grant can be found here. 

More information about the "In Safe Hands" campaign and strategies for improving farm safety can be found on the Farmsafe Australia website.