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In 2020, agriculture was again ranked as the second most dangerous industry to work in by rate of fatalities, with those over the age of 50 most at risk from farm-related injuries or fatalities.
This year, Farmsafe Australia wishes to celebrate how farms offer one of the most unique lifestyle experiences for all ages and wants to ensure all farmers have access to information that keeps them and their families safe and healthy.
Themed ‘Farm Safety Through The Ages - From 2-92', Farm Safety Week's campaign highlights the key safety issues and risks that are most prevalent throughout the different life stages of a farmer, in the hope it will reduce the risk of injury, illness and fatalities.
Charles Armstrong, chair of Farmsafe Australia, said the campaign is not about restricting families who live and work on farms. It's about embracing everything a life lived on the farm can offer, while minimising the risk of injury.
"We are focused on making safer farms an intergenerational topic of conversation in every rural community," Armstrong said.
"The number of farm-related fatalities in this country has not shifted dramatically in a decade, so there has never been a more important time to discuss how we can make Australian farms a safer place to live and work," he said.
"By improving the availability of information on hazards, risk factors and practical safety solutions, we want to ensure all communication between agricultural representatives, farmers, government and other stakeholders is active, consistent and productive.
"It has never been more essential to develop a ‘safety culture', while alleviating the pressures of farming life, across all generations within rural communities."
Farmsafe Australia is a national not-for-profit entity, advocating for farmers. It aims to connect state farming organisations, peak commodity bodies, advocacy bodies and other groups that share a common interest in agricultural health and safety.
Its initiatives are based upon the philosophy that the primary responsibility for farm safety rests with individual farmers, farm workers, and their families.
For more information on farm safe practices visit www.farmsafe.org.au.
