NSW Farmers is ready to join the conversation and help raise awareness this national Farm Safety Week on one of the most important issues facing farmers.
Run by Farmsafe Australia, this year's Farm Safety Week will take an intergenerational look at farm safety and the risk profiles associated with farming at different ages.
NSW Farmers President James Jackson said farming has come leaps and bounds in terms of safety, but there are still improvements to be made.
"Farm Safety Week is an opportunity to start a conversation on the less discussed aspects of farming, such as physical and mental health, safety and well-being," Mr Jackson said.
"Farming is a rewarding but potentially dangerous occupation, and the more we talk about the risks and dangers, the better."
"The farm experience will be different between age groups, so it's handy to look at farm safety through an intergenerational lens."
"Growing up on farms can provide great learning opportunities for kids, but it can also expose them to some risks, and it's saddening to know one in five fatalities on farm are children under the age of 15."
"Half of all Australian farming fatalities are actually in the 50 and over age category, despite the relative experience of these farmers."
"For many, farm work is a 24 hours a day, seven days a week occupation that has no clock-off. Farm Safety Week is all about raising awareness of risk factors associated with this sort of lifestyle, as well as reinforcing tried and true messaging about machine and equipment safety," Mr Jackson concluded.
