Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is encouraging those in the farming industry to check in on their mates and ask how they are going, and the state of safety in their own farming businesses in Farm Safety Week 2022.
“GPA understands the broader responsibilities we have representing Australia’s grain producers and we take these responsibilities very seriously,” GPA chair and WA grower Barry Large said.
“That’s why we’ve committed to real action with farm safety and mental health awareness programs that make a genuine difference for not only our members but all farmers and our communities.
“Farm Safety Week is an opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of these areas to the vitality of our own businesses and our personal lives.
GPA Training is today hosting a webinar to help with farm safety preparedness, and it includes a panel discussion with representatives from Safework NSW, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF).
GPA southern director and South Australian grower Mark Schilling said GPA Training provided programs such as a grain-site delivery induction that help improve standards and practices,.
“GPA Training is designed by farmers and industry professionals, for use by farmers – that’s why it’s practical and efficient to use, including for our workers,” Mr Schilling said.
“If we’re going to be proactive and change statistics that don’t reflect well on our industry – such as farmers comprising 2.2pc of Australia’s workforce but accounting for 13pc of injuries at work – we need to get serious and embrace GPA Training as an industry solution.”
Mr Large said GPA’s Farmer Mates Mental Health initiative will see inaugural ambassador and Australian cricketing legend Brad Hogg attend a number of field days throughout Australia next month, with dates as follows:
August 3: Mallee Machinery Field Days, Speed, with Victorian Farmers Federation Making Our Farms Safer Team;
August 9: Eyre Peninsula Field Days, Cleve, with Grain Producers SA.
August 12: Mingenew Midwest Export with WAFarmers;
August 17: AgQuip Gunnedah with NSW Farmers.