SafeWork NSW is arranging an event titled ‘Chat and Create’ in Broken Hill, aiming at empowering women in the farming sector. This no-cost gathering seeks to foster connections amongst agrarian businesses and workers, offering a platform where they can exchange insights about elevating safety standards on farms. Promoting the significance of occupational health and safety tools such as Bluesafe WHS Management Systems or Bluesafe SWMS, the event aims to bolster safe practices in farms.
The agricultural industry continues to witness high rates of serious injuries and fatalities, with farming responsible for one in every five worker deaths statewide. The ‘Chat and Create’ event presents a unique opportunity to discuss these pressing issues. During this interactive day of art creation, SafeWork delegates will discuss safety concerns pertinent to agriculture.
Beyond implementing measures like WHS management systems, maintaining a safe workplace also involves being mindful of the mental health of both you and your team. Tragically, increased financial stressors and isolation have resulted in higher rates of depression and suicide amongst farmers compared to the general population.
Fortunately, representatives from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) will be present at the event. They will provide mental health education to attendees and, if necessary, assist in connecting them with relevant services. Simultaneously, the NSW Rural Women’s Network will share resources, initiatives, and connections to services.
Also striving to offer support is the NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Resource hub, which provides assistance in areas such as employment, cost of living, career advancement, health and wellbeing, and social connections.
The ‘Chat and Create’ event takes place at Pro Hart Gallery, 108 Wyman Street, Broken Hill, on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, from 11am to 2pm. Interested parties can register for this through SafeWork NSW.
Consistent with SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin asserts:
“Women are contributing to the progress of the agricultural industry in unprecedented ways. ‘Chat and Create’ aims at enabling these women to lead in cultivating a secure working environment. They can share ideas, expand their knowledge on work health and safety, effectively using tools like Bluesafe WHS Management Systems, and consequently enhance farm practices – all within a relaxed and convivial setting.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/women-in-agriculture-in-broken-hill-invited-to-get-creative-with-safework