Regional businesses have been reminded to be aware of on-site risks, in this, national safe work month.

The now annual event, brings awareness to safer work practises and has been backed by large-scale Australian industry.

NSW Farmers Head of Workplace Relations, Gracia Kusuma said National Safe Work Month serves as a timely reminder to enhance discussions on how we can collectively improve our physical and mental health, safety and wellbeing on-farm.

 “Farming is a rewarding but potentially dangerous occupation, and the more we discuss the risks, raise awareness, and take preventive actions, the safer and better it becomes for everyone.

“Small, simple-to-implement steps such as storing chemicals correctly or wearing helmets when it’s necessary all contribute to ensuring everyone can stay safe and healthy on-farm,” she said.

 “With grain and hay harvests approaching, pre-harvest machinery maintenance, effective induction of seasonal workers, proper fatigue management and emergency planning are important for those preparing for a safe harvest this year.

“No matter how long you’ve been farming, there’s always opportunities to improve farm safety - workplace health and safety requirements are constantly evolving, and there are always areas of farm safety that you may not have revisited recently.”

Keep on trucking – but safely

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) said safety is everyone’s business. 

There are over 556,000 workers employed in Australia’s road transport industry – representing 5.3 per cent of the nation’s total employment – that contribute towards heavy vehicle safety on and off the road.  

NHVR Acting Chief Executive Officer Ray Hassall said the majority of transport and logistics companies were safety-focused, using tools such as training programs, hazard and risk reporting, and policies and procedures to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

“Having effective policies or procedures such as a Safety Management System for example helps companies manage their Workplace Health and Safety risks to prioritise everyone’s safety and wellbeing.” 

Mr Hassall said companies and individuals cannot make unreasonable requests, directions or contractual terms that could expose heavy vehicle drivers to the risks of speed and fatigue, which poses a major safety risk.

“The pressure placed on drivers can cause unsafe risk-taking behaviours, which may result in deteriorating driver health, near misses, vehicle collisions and road fatalities. 

“No one should feel unsafe at work and the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line is available to report safety issues such as driver fatigue, business practices and mechanical safety.”