WorkCover wants farmers to arrive Alive and Well at Henty

WorkCover NSW is urging all agriculture industry businesses and workers to remember the importance of farm safety. Alive and Well is WorkCover’s new initiative to improve safety and wellbeing in the agriculture industry and they are encouraging all attendees at the Henty Machinery Field Days on 23-25 September to participate in the interactive program.

Acting general manager of WorkCover NSW’s Work Health and Safety Division Peter Dunphy said the initiative focussed on six areas of farm work and featured the stories of real farmers who have experienced or narrowly escaped serious injury.

“Alive and Well is about bringing the farming community together so that that everyone works to improve safety and wellbeing,” Dunphy said.

“The campaign focuses on six high-risk areas of farm work - using machinery, children on farms, what to do if there’s an injury, depression and mental health, working with livestock and sun exposure. 

“While the NSW agricultural industry is one of the state’s largest and most important, contributing $11.7 billion in revenue, it is also one of the state’s highest risks. In the three years to July 2012 there were 5465 injuries and illnesses in the industry, including seven farmers or farm workers who sadly did not make it home to their families at the end of the working day.

“Unfortunately the south west is disproportionately represented, with 28% of all claims, so more can be done to improve safety and wellbeing on the region’s farms.”

Dunphy said a video booth would be set up at the Alive and Well stand where farmers could share their views on why farm safety is so important.

“By getting real farmers to tell their stories of how they experienced or narrowly escaped serious injury on their farms we hope it results in more farmers making safety a priority. I encourage all farmers and farm workers going to Henty to visit the stand, listen to the farmers’ stories and share their tips on farm safety.”

The Alive and Well stand will be located at 104-105 2nd Ag Place. For further information on farm safety, visit www.aliveandwell.net.au.