Many farms are homes as well as workplaces, and all parties have a part to play in improving farm safety, health, and wellbeing. AgVic director of rural assistance, people, and planning Clare Purcell said despite employing only two per cent of working Victorians, the agriculture sector accounted for 14 pc of all workplace fatalities. On average, two people are injured on Victorian farms every day. "We all have a role to play in making farm safety a priority, not just for those working the land, but for everyone who lives, works, and visits the farm," Ms Purcell said. "As a part of the Farming Safe and Well program, we have spoken to experts on farm safety for a new podcast season. "Our latest AgVic Talk season, Farming Safe and Well, focuses on the many aspects that make up farm safety, from fatigue management, safe livestock handling, supporting youth mental health, and an inclusive approach to farming with a disability. Ms Purcell said the stories shared were personal and important, covering vital elements of farm safety, from safe shearing practices to topics that may be hidden from view such as supporting staff members with dyslexia. "The podcast season hopes to foster discussions on the high-risk aspects of the rewarding business of farming, emphasising the importance of raising awareness, sharing stories, and building a culture of safety." One episode features experts Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller discussing the critical importance of safe livestock handling during loading and unloading processes, highlighting the importance of improving safety standards in the agricultural sector, to protect both workers and animals. In another, Samantha Pritchard from People in Paddocks and Sheree Henderson, a farmer from northwest Victoria, share insights about how to make farm safety inductions more effective and inclusive. "Creating a culture of safety on farms now and into the future is a shared responsibility to ensure safety is woven into everyday farm operations, from decision making through to daily practices," Ms Purcell said. Farming Safe and Well on AgVic Talk can be found at Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more information and to listen to other AgVic Talk episodes, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agvictalk
