News

Safety first this summer

By Contributed

Jan 3, 2025

Farmers are being asked to discuss farm safety with their children, and revise on farm practices. Photo by pixdeluxe

Farming families are encouraged to review their farm safety practices as the school holiday period continues.

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NSW Farmers workplace relations spokesperson Peter Wilson said while summer could be a busy period on many farms, it was critical farm safety remained a top priority over the coming months.

“Growing up on a farm – or visiting one – can be a great learning opportunity for kids, but it can also expose them to some very different risks,” Mr Wilson said.

“The farm is home to children of farming families, but the farm is also a workplace, and so it needs to be managed accordingly.

“Currently, one in five fatalities on farm are children under the age of 15, and so it’s vital we do whatever we can to save more precious lives.”

Creating safe play areas, safely storing farm chemicals well out of reach and fencing off water hazards are all simple measures Mr Wilson said can go a long way to keeping farm kids safe this summer.

“School holidays and harvest season are always busy times, but safety should stay top of mind so all of our families can come home safe at the end of each day,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s also important parents have open discussions with children to help them understand the importance of respecting safety rules and of being aware of potential hazards on farm.

“Whether it’s farm kids out playing in the paddock or their city cousins coming out for a visit, we all want everyone to stay safe on farm this summer.”