Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging all primary producers to make use of a new guide launched by the NSW Government which aims to make farms safer.
Ms Cooke said the guide would help farmers reduce harmful incidents by applying common-sense advice which could be applied across the whole sector.
“This publication is absolutely packed full of information which anybody working in agriculture will find invaluable,” Ms Cooke said.
“I realise that many farmers have been on the land since they were kids, but it’s never too late to learn something new, or indeed refresh your memory on safe work practices.
“The guide has a huge range of topics, some of which may not even be uppermost on a primary producer’s mind when they work, such as leadership, young workers or fatigue.”
Ms Cooke said the guide was developed by farmers for everyone who goes onto a farm – whether they be the owner, a worker, a family member, a visitor or a contractor.
“Work, health and safety is everyone’s business. Even if you are self-employed you are legally responsible for the health and safety of everyone who works on your farm including family members, visitors and customers,” Ms Cooke said.
“In 2017 the government launched the Agriculture Work Health and Safety Sector Plan and sought the commitment of industry, working with SafeWork NSW, to take responsibility for delivering safer and healthier workplaces. This is a practical initiative working towards improving safety across the sector.
“Agriculture is a $12 billion industry employing 81,000 people across the state and we are committed to improving safety and productivity across the sector.”
The SafeWork A-Z Farm Safety Guide can be downloaded at https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/483680/A-Z-farm-safety-guide.pdf, or you can order a copy by calling 13 10 50.
