Ahead of National Farm Safety Week which starts 17 July, the program includes BASF Safety Champs packs which are supported by AgLink Australia members Farmer Johns, TGT, McGregor Gourlay, Pursehouse Rural, AGnVET Rural and AgriShop and contain fun and educational farm safety-themed activities.

The packs are designed to assist parents and caregivers to discuss the importance of farm safety with their kids.

Farms are not just busy workplaces, many are also family homes where children can encounter hazards every day. In 2022, 18 per cent of the injury events on farms involved children under the age of 15. 

The Safety Champs packs, which come in a re-usable drawstring bag, are targeted at 5-10-year-olds and include:

• A Safety Champs program introductory letter
• Child-sized safety vest
• Noise reducing earmuffs, which meet Australian safety standards
• Printable safety themed activities
• An ‘Our Farm Safety Pledge' for families to complete together
• An official Safety Champs certificate

Gavin Jackson, Head of Agriculture, BASF in Australia and New Zealand, said Safety Champs is part of BASF's dedication to upholding the safety of its people, customers, and their families.

"At BASF we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety and livelihood of all in our farming communities, including the youngest members.

"Many farms are family owned and operated, therefore, the children of farmers today, may one day bear the responsibility of taking over the family's farming business.

"Our intent is to roll out a bigger and better Safety Champs program that will drive greater awareness and understanding of what it means to be safer around equipment and hazards, in 2023 and beyond."

Ian Scutt, chief executive officer of AgLink Australia said: "We are delighted to partner with BASF to deliver a unique program that champions safety culture in rural and regional communities across Australia.

"Through participating in the Safety Champs program, farming families can work together to implement measures that can make their farm an even safer and more fun environment to grow up in."

Families are encouraged to share their Safety Champ experiences via social media to generate greater understanding around the importance of embracing safe behaviours.

There are 700 Safety Champ packs are available at no cost to families while stock lasts. To find out more, visit https://crop-solutions.basf.com.au