Promoting farm safety in schools
Shifting Gears is an innovative intervention program and farm health and safety extension resource specifically designed for schools. This teacher-led, school-based program aims to cultivate a culture of farm safety among students, particularly those living on farms, studying agriculture and horticulture, or considering careers in these fields.
What makes Shifting Gears unique?
Shifting Gears broadens young people’s understanding of agricultural injury within rural Australia. It provides tailored, relatable, and age-appropriate content within the farming context.
“The videos allowed us to teach farm safety in a sensitive manner that was contextually appropriate for our students. Most of the students in our school are off a farm and have lived experience of farm safety issues and we’re always mindful that what we use needs to deal with matters of farm safety in a delicate manner.”
Goroke P-12 College teacher, 2023
Program features
Teacher resource
Download a PDF file for flexible use, covering the following topics:
- Agricultural health statistics
- Agricultural exposure to hazards and agents of injury
- Flow on effect of poor farmer health
- Prevention strategies
- Quad bike and side by side vehicles
- Hierarchy of controls
Audio visual materials
- Documentary-style videos linking farm safety to human health
- Creative animations illustrating safety theories, including the Hierarchy of Controls
Classroom activities
Shifting Gears includes 13 suggested activities and discussions designed for flexible use in the classroom – you can implement them as a complete package, as individual discussions or as standalone topics. They are broadly aligned with the agricultural curriculum to engage and educate students.
Support for educators
Discover how to bring farm safety to life in your classroom with the Shifting Gears program.
Watch our webinar which offers valuable guidance on the program’s resources and activities, and highlights the importance of weaving health and safety conversations into your teaching. Perfect for teachers and school representatives looking to inspire safer practices in farming communities. Click the link below to watch and explore how you can make a positive impact on farm safety today!
Get involved
Express your interest today to access this free resource before the 2025 school year. Email: ncfh@wdhs.net or complete our short survey below.
Make a lasting impact on farm safety education with Shifting Gears!
Important information
For all program and sponsorship enquiries please contact:
The National Centre for Farmer Health, as part of Western District Health Service (WDHS), has developed these farm safety videos and downloadable resources (known as Educational Materials) for secondary school teachers and students. WDHS owns, or has the right to use and licence, the Educational Materials.
By downloading the Educational Materials, you acknowledge and agree that:
- WDHS grants you a royalty-free, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable licence to use the Educational Materials for educational purposes;
- The Educational Materials may not be modified or adapted in any way (including deletion or modification of any copyright notices) without the prior written approval of WDHS;
- Whilst reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of these educational materials are accurate and current, WDHS does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or currency of the information; and
- WDHS will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on or use of the Educational Materials.
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