Starring in a farm safety video may have meant a day off school for Lucy Spencer, but the message being delivered was very serious: on-farm safety saves lives.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Launched at the Spencer’s Bracknell property on Thursday, the Safe Farming Induction Handbook and safety videos are aimed at new farm employees in Tasmania.
Lucy, 11, played a starring role in the Farm Safety for Kids video and had some universal tips for those living and working on farms, such as staying away from moving machinery.
“Be aware of snakes because they can bite, cows because they can kick you and horses because they can buck you. If you’re by yourself you might not have anyone to help you.
“Have a walkie talkie or a phone. The phone always needs to be fully charged,” she said.
Safe Farming Tasmania senior health and safety consultant Phill John coordinated the handbook and video production, highlighting the main factors affecting farm safety and productivity.
“The two biggest killers on farms at the moment are quad bikes, closely followed by tractors so we have some videos on those,” Mr John said.
“After the videos there’s is a list of tips on things that are important to observe when you’re dealing with each specific issue,” he said.
The state government invested more than $1 million in the Safe Farming Tasmania Program, working to reduce the rate of farm workplace injuries and fatalities, Primary Industries minister Jeremy Rockliff said.
“Our farming families and rural communities are our greatest asset. The farm is a unique work environment, where family homes are often part of the workplace,” Mr Rockliff said.
The handbook and videos will help farm employees identify hazards and risks that may be present in their work environment.