Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is encouraging local farmers and producers to continue to take care of themselves following last week’s National Farm Safety Week.
Farm Safety Week 2023 ran from Sunday 16 July – Sunday 23 July.
“As someone that operates a farm with my young family, I understand that 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,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our agriculture workers face many physical and mental pressures each and every day.
“It’s important to look after the physical and emotional wellbeing of our farmers by talking about risk, seasonal pressures, stress, mental health, fatigue management, safe work practices, education, training, and succession planning.
“Our farmers are the vital link to maintaining food security and growing fibre to sustainably supply the textiles industry – creating safer farms and a safe workplace culture is vital.
National Farm Safety Week was about taking time to hold important conversations about the complexity of farm safety and making it safer for everyone, and it is important that these conversations continue to happen.”
Ms Cleeland said our farmers are the backbone of local communities, as well as for the entire state, performing essential work to produce food, clothing and more for us.
“Each day farmers encounter high-risk situations through the operation of heavy machinery, handling of unpredictable animals and the use chemicals,” Ms Cleeland said.
“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”.
Ms Cleeland said by living and working in regional communities, The Nationals understand the importance of farmers and maintaining the productivity of our agriculture industry.
“The Nationals care about our regional communities and the people that live in them,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Initiatives like National Farm Safety Week and encouraging farmers to take stock of safety and their health and wellbeing is something we can really get behind.
“Safe farms and healthy farmers are something we can all embrace.”
