Call for Action as 2023 Sees 32 Farm-Related Deaths
In a bid to enhance safety on Australian farms, Farmsafe Australia is urgently calling on farmers and agricultural businesses to prioritize first aid and CPR training. This appeal follows a disturbing report that revealed 32 fatalities on farms in 2023, emphasizing the critical need for immediate medical response capabilities in remote agricultural settings.
Alarming Statistics Prompt Safety Initiatives
Since 2001, 1,742 individuals have tragically died on Australian farms, underscoring the perilous nature of agricultural work. Nearly 90 percent of these fatalities were men, highlighting a significant risk to male workers in the industry. In response to these alarming figures, Western Australia’s WorkSafe Commissioner initiated an inquiry into the agricultural sector in 2022. The inquiry resulted in eight key recommendations, including the formation of a dedicated agricultural team within WorkSafe. This team, now operational, has increased the number of inspectors focusing on farm safety.
Stephen Brown, Executive Officer for Safe Farms WA, noted the proactive steps being taken. “WorkSafe has been actively training more inspectors specifically for the agricultural industry, and they will be regionally located,” Brown said. “There is an increased chance that you will have them knock on your door or ring you up and say we want to come and have a look.”
The Life-Saving Importance of First Aid Training
Stevi Howdle, Executive Officer of Farmsafe Australia, stresses that first aid training can significantly improve safety culture on farms. “First aid training can be the difference between life or death, literally,” Howdle emphasized. She explained that receiving treatment within the first four hours of an injury drastically increases survival chances.
Farmsafe is currently piloting a program where it and first aid providers travel to farms to offer training and safety information. This initiative aims to make first aid training more accessible to farmers, particularly in remote areas.
Real-World Applications: A Farmer’s Perspective
Duncan Burt, a cropping manager on a farm in Kojonup, Western Australia’s Great Southern region, shares his practical experience. On Burt’s farm, all vehicles are equipped with first aid kits, and several snakebite kits and treatment stations are strategically placed in the sheds. Burt insists on having at least two staff members trained in first aid. “If a group of people go out, at least one of them should know how to look after someone with a snakebite or a bleeding injury,” he said. “Or if someone has a stroke or faints or fits, being able to understand how to look after someone is important.”
Prevention: A Key Strategy
Burt advocates for a proactive approach to farm safety. “I think the most important thing is avoiding the risk, rather than trying to fix the problem,” he said. Basic safety strategies, such as using location tracking on mobile phones when working alone, are essential. This simple step can significantly enhance safety, ensuring that help can be summoned quickly in an emergency.
Practical Steps to Enhance Farm Safety
Stephen Brown of Safe Farms WA offers practical advice for improving farm safety. He encourages farmers to conduct their own property inspections, looking for obvious hazards such as electric cables on the floor and ensuring that safety equipment, including glasses and PPE for handling chemicals, is readily available. Brown also highlights the importance of regular toolbox talks to reinforce safety protocols.
Industry-Wide Commitment to Safety
The farming community must come together to improve farm safety standards. “Everyone at the end of the day just wants to see everyone come home every night safe and sound,” Brown said. This shared commitment can drive significant improvements in safety practices across the industry.
How CPR Course Brisbane Can Help
At CPR Course Brisbane, we recognize the unique challenges faced by farmers in remote areas. Our comprehensive first aid and CPR courses are designed to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to handle emergencies effectively. Our training includes:
- Tailored Training for Farm Settings: Addressing injuries and emergencies common on farms, such as managing snakebites and severe bleeding.
- On-Site Training: Bringing expert instructors and resources directly to your farm.
- Flexible Scheduling: Accommodating unpredictable farm schedules with weekend and after-hours sessions.
- Comprehensive Course Content: Covering a wide range of first aid and CPR topics, including basic life support, AED use, and managing medical emergencies.
- Certification and Ongoing Support: Providing certification upon course completion and offering refresher courses to keep skills up-to-date.
By investing in CPR training, farmers not only comply with safety regulations but also take a proactive step in protecting the lives of their workers. Contact CPR Course Brisbane today to schedule a training session and ensure your team is equipped with life-saving skills.
Hi there! I'm Jack Majlinger. I began my first aid journey back in 2012, with my first "first aid" course. It was after a hiking accident where a friend had to be airlifted. Over the years, my first aid skills grew, I volunteered at equestrian events and local shows and became a first aid trainer.
When I'm not working on content, I enjoy spotting birds in the wild and writing jangle pop tunes.
