Western Australian farmers are the target of a new website that seeks to protect farming families and workers, and improve farm business performance through better safety awareness and practices.

Safe Farms WA (formerly known as the Farmsafe WA Alliance) received $20,000 from the CBH Group to develop the website, www.safefarms.net.au , which was showcased today at the Newdegate Field Day, and provides growers with materials relevant to their farming business.

CBH’s sponsorship directly supports grain growers and industry members by providing a new trustworthy place to access up to date and important information, such as legislative requirements as well as a practical and comprehensive customised manual, to help growers build a culture of safety, health and wellbeing.

Safety Champion and Chair of Safe Farms WA Mike Norton said the new website would be the first of a suite of offerings currently being developed by Farmsafe WA.

“Western Australian farmers are global leaders in innovation and production – we can also be leaders in on farm safety,” Mr Norton said.

“Our partnership with CBH is a perfect example of having industry on board supporting us so that we can provide the solutions farmers need.

“We’re pleased that there is recognition for the importance of safety on farms, and we will continue to work hard and build strategic alliances with industry.”

CBH Group Chairman Wally Newman said he was positive about the co-operative’s support for the new website.

“CBH’s sponsorship ensures that Safe Farms WA can continue to provide important information and safety tools for the farming industry,” Mr Newman said.

“At CBH, our vision is for everyone to return home safely at the end of each working day.

“No one wants anyone to be injured on farms, and we also don't want growers to incur what can be large fines or risk losing your farm because you weren’t aware of your responsibilities in regards to safety.”


SAFE FARMS WA VISION
Safe Farms WA is committed to supporting farmers in making their workplace a safe environment, through the reduction and prevention of accidents and deaths, leading to improved productivity and well-being.

Media contact
Safe Farms WA: Maree Gooch, 0438 374 136
CBH Group: Todd Cardy, 0418 750 336

"Country Roads, Take Me Home” — ROAD & FARM SAFETY FORUM IN NARROGIN ATTRACTS MANY
Farmsafe WA acknowledges that a major trigger for the Wheatbelt Farm Safety Forum, attended by 160 people in Narrogin recently, was after the tragic weekend in March when 11 people died on Western Australian roads as well as several deaths on farms this year. Another trigger for the event was following the fires at Esperance and Waroona– Harvey to ensure the community are more prepared for an emergency like a natural disaster or fire. The overarching theme of the Wheatbelt Safety Forum was the importance of Farm Safety and people going home to their loved ones.

Maree Gooch, Farmsafe WA Project Director commented “ We recognised that Farmsafe WA can play a unique and very important role linking farmers and rural community with support organisations such as “Outta Town First Aid” , the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Main Roads and WorkSafe to dispel many of the myths that are out there and to provide information in an easy to understand format”  Maree added “We felt it was important to engage with the students as the are the road users of today and the farmers of tomorrow.”

The Wheatbelt Safety Forum was proudly supported by RAC’s Community Sponsorships program to help educate the community about safe road use and safe driving behaviours. RAC’s support is part of the $1.5 million that RAC has given to community initiatives since the program started in 2011. To find out more visit rac.com.au/sponsorship.

Farmsafe WA together with Narrogin Agricultural College hosted the event and all 120 students were present, reinforcing the importance of education and preparedness. The students joined in to the interactive learning sessions with gusto and asked many questions. Elders Narrogin and the Town of Narrogin are also acknowledged as providing sponsorship and support.

Emily Miller from Beverley provided real life experience about being involved in an accident on a country road, being flown to Perth with the Royal Flying Doctor due to suspected complications and the worry of not knowing if everyone was going to be OK, was very scary. Emily is a 22 year old student at Muresk Institute and is only a few years older than many of the audience. Emily’s experiences really resonated with the students and the parents that were present. Emily Miller is an active member of the Farmsafe WA board and is planning a future in the agriculture industry.

Mike Norton, Chair Farmsafe WA added “We will continue to work hard to ensure that the Farmsafe WA remains relevant and continues to gain support from the sector. We invite industry to join us and get on board supporting us so that we can provide the solutions they are looking for“.
 
 
Farmsafe WA Alliance together with the Beacon Community Resource Centre, is holding a Safety Awareness Session in Beacon on August 30th.   Tickets available. Open to the general public and members
https://www.stickytickets.com.au/39853/beacon_farm_safety_session.aspx
 
www.farmsafewa.org                        
Contact:  Maree Gooch          Mob: 0438 374 136

Full PDF link :
http://www.greenbushes.crc.net.au/uploads/6/3/2/6/63266341/ses-aami-storms-guide-business.pdf

Agriculture has the unenviable record of ranking only second behind road transport as Australia’s most dangerous industry. This rise in cases throughout 2015 sounds a warning bell that there really is a need to fast‐track improvements” stated Lower. “Planning for safety in the same way that you plan for your crops or stock will go a long way to reducing these incidents and the impacts they have not just on individuals, but also families and whole communities.

Youtube video link :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dNwJSIWjVU&feature=youtu.be