National Agriculture Day puts farm safety and mental health in focus
15 Nov 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW is calling on farmers to review workplace safety and reduce psychosocial hazards this National Agriculture Day, with farming accounting for one in five worker deaths in NSW.
Farmers and agricultural workers continue to suffer serious injuries and deaths at higher rates than workers in other industry sectors, according to SafeWork NSW.
Tractors, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles and machinery account for most farm-related fatalities. Augers and harvesting machinery are also significant sources of harm and injury.
The regulator’s message covers mental health as well as physical safety. While farming can be rewarding, financial stress and isolation can contribute to depression, and SafeWork NSW is urging people in agriculture to check in on their mates.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin called on farmers and agricultural workers to consider both their physical and mental wellbeing. He said farmers face distinctive mental health challenges alongside workplace safety risks.
“It’s important farmers take the time to be aware of their physical and mental state, and ensure they are doing all they can to minimise hazards in their workplace.”
SafeWork NSW has farm safety and mental health resources available on its website. It is also encouraging eligible farmers to access its small business rebate or request a free advisory visit or workshop for practical farm safety support.
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your approach to workplace health and safety, including psychosocial hazards, and identify areas that need attention. Take the free WHS self-check