Broken Hill farm safety event invites women to connect and create

The ‘Chat and Create’ event will give women working in agricultural businesses an opportunity to exchange experiences about farm safety while making art and meeting others in the industry. SafeWork representatives will discuss safety issues affecting farms and agricultural businesses.

Agricultural workers continue to experience serious injuries and deaths at higher rates than workers in other sectors. Farming accounts for one in five worker deaths in NSW.

Mental health will also be part of the discussion. Farmers experience higher rates of suicide and depression than the general population, with financial pressures and isolation among the distinctive pressures they face.

Representatives from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) will provide mental health education and connect attendees with services where needed. The NSW Rural Women's Network will also share resources, initiatives and service connections.

The NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Resource hub offers support covering living costs, employment, training, careers, health and wellbeing, and opportunities for social and recreational connection.

The event will take place at Pro Hart Gallery, 108 Wyman Street, Broken Hill, on Wednesday 14 August 2024, from 11am to 2pm. Those interested can register through SafeWork NSW.

Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said the event aimed to empower agricultural managers and workers to help create safer workplaces. “This is a great opportunity for women in agriculture in the Broken Hill area to share ideas and connect, while building on their knowledge of work, health and safety to improve farm practices in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”

How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your business’s approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas that may need attention. Take the free WHS self-check