Farmer News
14 August, 2025
Make farm safety your priority
MANY farms are homes as well as workplaces and, as such, everyone has a part to play in improving farm safety, health and wellbeing.
Agriculture Victoria director rural assistance, people and planning Clare Purcell said despite employing only two per cent of working Victorians, the agriculture sector accounts for 14 per cent 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 such as safe shearing practices through to topics that may be hidden from view like supporting staff members with dyslexia.
“This 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.”
In one episode, experts Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller discuss the critical importance of safe livestock handling during loading and unloading processes.
Their insights highlight 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 north west 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 Pucell said.
To find out more and listen to other AgVic Talk episodes head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/agrivictalk
For more information about drought support call 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought.