While every workplace has its own health and safety risks and requirements, it’s no secret that some occupations are more dangerous than others.
Jobs in industries such as emergency services, construction and mining often spring to mind, but there are plenty of other trades that also pose a high risk of accidents resulting in catastrophic injury.
One of these is working on a farm. This type of job often requires a lot of heavy lifting and operating machinery, as well as long hours and battling on through dangerous weather conditions.
To raise awareness about the risks of this career, it is currently National Farm Safety Week 2012 (July 16 – 21).
Organised by Farmsafe Australia, this year’s week has the theme of ‘Farm Safety – Fix it for Everyone’.
“As farmers we are good at tinkering and fixing things up, but we need to pay the same amount of attention to fixing the safety issues that may be present on our farms,” Farmsafe Australia chairman Lin Morris said in a statement (June 2).
“Generally, we know what to do to improve safety, it’s just a matter of getting into it and doing it. It’s almost important to fix any hazards as safer properties mean less downtime due to injuries or damage to equipment, so our bottom line improves,” he added.
Mr Morris went on to explain that quad bike injuries were a common occurrence, and 20 per cent of these incidents involving young people under the age of 15.
Just last week (July 11), a 13-year-old girl passed away after falling off her quad bike in a private property in Kembla Grange.
This accident prompted the police to issue a reminder to people to be aware of the risks of using these bikes.
“It’s a timely reminder that these vehicles are not toys,” inspector Ron Davis said.
On Monday (July 16), WorkCover NSW also issued a statement emphasising the importance of staying safe on farms.
“With many farm roles involving work in remote areas or in isolation away from emergency assistance and first aid, improving safety for farm workers is vital,” general manager of WorkCover’s health and safety division John Watson asserted.
If you or a family member are ever involved in a work-related accident, including those that happen on a farm if this is your place of employment, then you may like to know that you could be eligible for compensation.
There are personal injury lawyers in Sydney that can help you make a claim, and who operate on a no win no fee basis.
