Work-related farm deaths are four times higher than all other industries and a new farm safety training guide will be aiming to cut these figures substantially.
The Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA), a division of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), has developed a training workbook which addresses the main causes of farm machinery accidents.
The Farm Machinery Safety Training Guide Workbook, provides information and practical exercises to improve operators’ understanding of how their machines function.
Accidents often occur as a result of an operator’s general lack of safety consciousness, combined with a lack of basic risk control.
This workbook addresses in particular:
- Safety guards to Power Take Off (PTO) shafts
- Safety guards on engines and machines such as augers
- Not using tractors or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) where they are likely to roll or flip
- Not getting on or off a moving machine
- Proper maintenance
- Effective induction training and supervision
“Farm machinery dealers have a professional interest in how their machines are used. They are legally required to ensure new and used machines are as safe as possible and that new owners are provided with proper information to enable the machine to be used safely,” said developer, Warren Mills from CR Management Systems.
FIMDA has also published another booklet, the Farm Safety Competency Assessment Checklist. Farm employers can use this to ensure their staff have sufficient knowledge to operate their equipment, as well as perform other often dangerous activities including animal handling, or dealing with hazardous materials.
VACC Executive Director David Purchase said farms can be dangerous places.
“Farm machinery dealers want to ensure farm workers, farmers and their families are aware of the hazards associated with operating farm machinery and are correctly advised as to safe operation techniques,” he said.
“In the absence of adequate operation information, these booklets fill a significant void.”
