A hands-on event focused on safer livestock handling and farmer health and wellbeing will be held in Hamilton, Victoria to kick off National Safe Work Month in October.
Farm safe and strong: Practical tips for improving safety when working with cattle aims to address the recent number of farmer injuries and fatalities occurring in cattle yards. The event will be delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) in collaboration with WorkSafe Victoria on Friday 3 October, and is one of many events taking place online and across the state to highlight safe and healthy workplaces.
The event will feature expert-led demonstrations and practical advice on livestock handling and protecting farmer health and safety, as well as farm safety demonstrations on yard work such as loading and unloading livestock, keeping livestock calm and yourself and contractors safe.
Vet safety, including cattle crush safety and avoiding needlestick injuries will also be in focus. Needlestick injuries affect 80 per cent of livestock farmers, occurring from accidental injection with a needle intended for an animal. In extreme cases, it can cause amputation or even death.
Attendees will also find out more about Q Fever, a highly contagious flu-like infection transmitted to humans from infected livestock and wildlife. With cases among farmers increasing, Q Fever is usually transmitted from exposure to infected cattle, sheep, goats and wild pigs or from inhaling infected dust.
NCFH Director Dr Alison Kennedy said the event was an opportunity for farmers, their families and agriculture students to come together to learn, connect with others and build a culture of safety on farms.
“The most valuable asset on any farm isn’t machinery or the land – it’s the people. Protecting your safety, health and wellbeing on the farm must always be front of mind,” she said.
“Whether you need a refresher or are keen to learn something new, the ‘Farm safe and strong’ event will provide a set of practical tips to take back to the farm to support safer livestock handling and farmer health.”
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said the event would give farmers a chance to hear expert advice while trading stories and experiences of health and safety on the land.
“Farming can be isolating work, so we encourage people to come along and make connections that will create change and a culture of safety,” he said.
“Through meaningful conversations, we can all grow our understanding of current issues in agriculture and work together to improve safety in an industry that powers our economy, supports regional communities and keeps food on our shelves.”
* END OF RELEASE*
For more information, please contact:
Alison Kennedy – Director, National Centre for Farmer Health
P: 03 5551 8533 | M: 0407 549 970 | E: alison.kennedy@wdhs.net
|
|