The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is encouraging primary producers to be vigilant when it comes to farm safety and their health and wellbeing during National Farm Safety Week.
Farm Safety Week 2023 runs from Sunday 16 July – Sunday 23 July.
“Having owned and run a dairy farm I understand that multiple safety risks faced by primary producers and the vigilance needed to maintain health and wellbeing of farmers, their families, employees, contractors and visitors,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Farm safety is complex with many farms being both a workplace and the family home –understanding and mitigating the many risks is paramount.
“Being a farmer is more than an occupation, it’s a 24 hour, seven day a week commitment, performed in all weather and often alone in remote locations.
“Our agriculture workers face many physical and mental pressures each and every day.
“Statistics tell us that our farms are Australia’s most dangerous workplaces, last year 55 people tragically lost their life on a farm.
“Farm machinery accidents involving tractors and quad bikes dominate the statistics, making up 40 per cent of all farm fatalities.
“Given the importance of the work farmers do, promoting safety, assessing risk, identifying, and talking about the dangers of farm work is an important conversation worth having”.