Growcom column

GROWCOM is working with agriculture industry groups across Queensland to help farm businesses reduce risks and increase efficiency and compliance through a series of workshops in February.

The State Governmentfunded Workplace Essentials workshops give farm employers and team leaders practical information and resources to enhance workplace health and safety and people management.

The full-day workshops will be held in Mackay on February 6, Bowen on February 7, Charters Towers on February 8, Kingaroy on February 20, Chinchilla on February 21 and Boonah on February 22. Each workshop will go from 8.45am–4pm.

The workshops, co-ordinated through the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network, are for all of agriculture and are supported by Growcom, the Queensland Farmers Federation, Cotton Australia, AgForce Queensland, Canegrowers Mackay, Tabma Australia and AustSafe Super.

Participating growers will receive an update on Workplace Health and Safety laws and regulations, a WHS compliance check list, information on understanding and managing risks and hazards, guidance on when and how to report incidents and an overview of useful WHS services and resources available to businesses.

They will also receive guidance on performance and behaviour management, handling conflict, bullying and difficult conversations in the workplace, supervisor responsibilities, an update on Workplace Relations laws, regulations and programs, and an overview of further training and funding available.

The last round of Workplace Essentials workshops, which were focused on employment management practices and compliance, attracted more than 230 participants state-wide.

We received resoundingly positive feedback from growers about these workshops and I encourage farm businesses to take advantage of this subsidised training tailored for farm employers and employees.

This is a valuable opportunity for growers to invest in the future of their business in order to enhance their management capacity and boost their bottom line.

For more information and to register, visit www.growcom.com.au or phone 07 3620 3844.

This is a valuable opportunity for growers ... to enhance their management capacity and boost their bottom line.