2014-01-16 Lobby group makes farmer health an election issue – ABC Rural

Lobby group makes farmer health an election issue – (Source: ABC Rural)

2014-02-08 It’s do or die – Hamilton Spectator

(Links no longer available) It’s do or die – (Source – Hamilton Spectator)

It’s do or die – Hamilton Spectator [PDF 2.4mb]

2014-02-12 NFF drought support wishlist handed to government

NFF drought support wishlist handed to government (Source: ABC Rural)

2014-02-14 Farm health program runs low on funds as drought bites – ABC Rural

Farm health program runs low on funds as drought bites (Source: ABC Rural)

2014-02-14 Free farmer respiratory checks a lifesaver – The Standard

2014-02-27 Farmer health centre need stressed – Hamilton Spectator

(LINK NO LONGER AVAILABLE) Farmer health centre need stressed (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

2014-02-27 Farmer health checks – Border Chronicle

Farmer health checks (Source: Border Chronicle)

2014-03-14 Federal budget anxiety for Hamilton’s National Centre for Farmer Health

Federal budget anxiety for Hamilton’s National Centre for Farmer Health (Source: Warrnambool Standard)

2014-03-19 Hollow offer – Hamilton Spectator

Link no longer available.

South East Field Days in Lucindale

Great partnering with Country South SA Medicare Local at South East Field Days – Lucindale.

Falls prevention on farms

Falls are one of the most common causes of death and injury on farms, especially among older farmers. It is common for people to fall from horses, motorbikes, farm machinery, steps, haystacks, trucks, ladders, silos, windmills, fences, the back of utes and in livestock yards.

A bad fall can lead to long term injuries making it difficult for a person to continue farming. A permanent disability from a fall is a common reason for people being admitted to hospital and then residential care.

Farms have many potential hazards, such as ladders, silos, windmills, gates and ramps. Even from waist height, falls can cause serious injuries. There are lots of things you can do around the farm to help prevent falls:

• Attach extra grab rails on trucks, tractors, headers, ramps and steps.
• Use non slip tape on ladders, and non-slip matting in the workshop; replace old steps with non-slip metal mesh and a rail.
• Avoid heights where possible, but if you have to work at height, wear a safety harness.
• Install good lighting, especially around sheds.
• Wear well fitted boots with non-slip soles.
• Tidy up workshops, don’t leave clutter around.
• Keep paths and walkways clear.
• Keep as fit as possible as you may be less likely to fall if in good physical shape.
• Write a checklist of potential falling hazards at your farm.

Remember, it’s much easier to prevent a fall than to recover from one.

Farm safety – falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for farm workers. Common hazards include animals, motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs, or quad bikes), working at heights in silos or on tractors, harvesters, cherry pickers or windmills, uneven surfaces and uncovered wells. Older farmers are most at risk. Simple safety measures can reduce the danger.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Falls are a major cause of injury on farms, especially for older farmers.
• Avoid working at heights or wear an appropriate safety harness.
• Stay physically active and maintain your muscle strength with regular exercise.
• Install safety features like grab rails and non-slip flooring.
• Stay on your feet and stay on your farm.

Child safety on farms

Children who live on farms are more likely to be injured or killed on the farm than their parents or other farm workers. Since 2001, children under 15 years have accounted for approximately 15% of all farm-related deaths on Australian farms (235 deaths). Injuries can also have long-term physical, psychological and financial impacts on children and their families.   

The main hazards responsible for these deaths include dams and water bodies (especially for children under five), quad bikes, side-by-sides, tractors, farm utes, motorbikes and horses.  

How to keep children safe on farms

• Safe play area: A fenced area close to the house helps keep young children away from farm dangers.  

• Always supervise children: Active supervision is key – this means staying close, watching and engaging with children at all times to ensure their safety.

• Match tasks to a child’s age and ability: Older children can be taught about farm safety but should only do age-appropriate (physically and mentally developmentally appropriate) tasks, be supervised at all times and ensure appropriate rules and protective equipment is worn.  

• Lead by example: Children learn by watching adults. If you practice and value farm safety, so will your child. 

• Talk about farm safety as a family: Regular conversations about safety rules and risks help children develop lifelong safe behaviours.  

Fast facts:

• Children who live on farms have a higher risk of injury or death than other children.
• Teach your children about safety from a young age.
• Talk to your child frequently about the safety rules of the farm.
• Provide fenced play areas for young children.
• Supervise older children when they work on the farm.