Make resolutions that matter

For farmers, one promise stands above the rest: to come home safely every day. Farming, a cornerstone of our communities and economy, is also one of the most hazardous occupations. Tragically, the high rate of serious and fatal accidents in agriculture remains a pressing issue. Agriculture continues to be the sector with the most fatal accidents in the workplace.

Devastating impact 

The toll of farm accidents is immeasurable ranging from loss of life, life-changing injuries and emotional suffering to financial loss, and the ripple effects extend far beyond the individual. Our hearts go out to every farm family and community that have been affected by these tragedies. The time to act is now. Let’s make 2025 the year of change; the year we prioritise safety on our farms.

Pro-active safety measures

Farmers play a vital role in shaping a safer agricultural sector. While many hold positive attitudes towards health and safety, the challenge lies in addressing unsafe practices embedded in farming culture over many years. Often, shortcuts are taken when time, stress, or financial constraints come into play. These unsafe norms must be eradicated. The key message is simple: unsafe practices are never acceptable. By fostering a safety-first culture, we can pave the way for safer practices across the industry.

Changing behaviours

Behavioural change isn’t always easy, but it is essential. Many unsafe habits are passed down through generations, perpetuating a cycle of risk. Breaking this cycle requires a gradual but committed effort. We must engage both the farmers of today and the next generation to create lasting change. Adopting a dual approach, combining cultural and behaviour-based safety strategies, is particularly effective:

Cultural change
This works to elevate the value of safety, shaping attitudes and perceptions regarding safety across the industry.

Behaviour-based safety
Focuses on identifying and modifying specific actions, such as using guarded PTOs, implementing safe practices for working at heights and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance and safe driving techniques.

Farmers must also address the factors that hinder safety, such as distractions, stress, and tight schedules. Planning ahead is crucial – whether it’s scheduling maintenance for machinery or organising daily tasks with safety in mind.

Three steps to farming safely

Farming safely doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intention and action. Here are three essential steps:

1. Acknowledge the risks
Understand and accept that accidents can happen on your farm. A positive, proactive attitude toward safety is the foundation.

2. Conduct a risk assessment
Identify potential hazards, evaluate risks, and establish control measures to mitigate them.

3. Implement and maintain safety practices
Follow through with safety measures and embed safe work behaviours into your daily routine.

A safer future for farming

Let’s make safety a non-negotiable aspect of farming. By prioritising safety, we protect not just ourselves but also the livelihoods and wellbeing of our families today and the safe future of the next generation of farmers.