Working together to keep farms safe
When it comes to safety, dairy farmers Trish and Mark Hammond agree that prevention is better than cure – that farmers shouldn’t wait for an incident to occur before thinking about safety.
The Hammonds have been farming together for 12 years, milking more than 1000 cows across two properties in Labertouche.
Sharing their story in a WorkSafe video as part of National Farm Safety Week last week, the Hammonds say a proactive visit from local WorkSafe inspector Michael Vanderzalm grew into a supportive relationship that brought with it productivity and safety benefits.
“It was a very positive experience we found, not intimidating, because we do know WorkSafe isn’t there to shut us down, they’re there to help us improve and to make things the safest we can,” Mrs Hammond said.
“I’ve met Michael outside of inspections, at GippsDairy and TAFE events where he’s speaking. Every time I learn something new and have been able to implement things in our business. I now feel comfortable enough to call him with any questions I have.”
Mrs Hammond said she now understands the importance of inspectors turning up before a safety incident occurs.
“With the inspection there were things that came out of that that we needed to make improvements on, and Michael returned four weeks later to check we’d put all those things in place and to give further advice.”
Mr Vanderzalm comes to farmers not only as an inspector with 17 years experience, but also as someone who appreciates the specific challenges farmers may face when it comes to improving safety.
“My family has a beef property in South Gippsland, so I’ve got a love for agriculture and I just love dealing with farmers,” he said.
“We’re realists. We understand how farms work, and we’re here to help you operate your business safely.”
WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer said fatalities on farms continue to occur at a rate higher rate than in other industries, with seven deaths in agriculture so far this year.
“We want to shift the common belief that a serious or fatal injury will never happen to you, your workers or your family,” Dr Beer said.
A recent survey of 150 Victorian farmers shows that about half still believe these incidents are only happening to hobby or inexperienced farmers, but this is not the case.
“A workplace tragedy can happen to anyone who doesn’t prioritise safety, regardless of how well they know their land and machinery,” Dr Beer said.
WorkSafe is hosting an online information session tomorrow. The webinar, from noon to 1pm, provides farmers with an opportunity to hear and seek safety advice in a relaxed environment, with WestVic Dairy and the Victorian Farmers Federation also available to share their knowledge.
Register for the free webinar at https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/keeping-your-dairyfarm-safe-cobden-info-session-tickets-384296359757