Community
24 July, 2024
Fonterra marks National Farm Safety Week
LAST week marked National Farm Safety Week, and Fonterra in Australia proudly stand behind this initiative each year to educate dairy communities on the importance of farm safety, and what it means to be ‘In Safe Hands.’
Since 2001, 1705 people have lost their lives on Australian farms due to non-intentional injuries.
Nearly 30 per cent of these fatalities can be attributed to two vehicles – tractors and quad bikes.
Fonterra’s Farm Source team of dairy experts in Victoria and Tasmania play an active role in supporting farmers with their safety goals.
With dedicated specialists in each region, they provide advice, expertise, and tools to help create and maintain safe working environments for our farmers.
Fonterra Farm Source area manager and people specialist in south west Victoria Jess Brown brings a hands-on approach and deep understanding of farm operations.
“The most important part of farm safety is the awareness of it,” she said.
“I often speak with farmers who take safety very seriously but feel overwhelmed about the task ahead to formalise processes and systems to support it.
“I always tell them that taking one step is better than taking no action, and we’re here to support them throughout that journey.” Fonterra farmers Emma Bant and Lucas Guyett run a 1000-cow operation in Cudgee, over two neighbouring properties with 10 staff.
Working closely with Ms Brown they have taken a ‘one step at a time’ approach, with a mobile app system being one of the ways they're addressing safety practices and the day-to-day running of their business.
“When I was a teenager working under my dad, safety was a part of our daily conversation. Tragically, he lost his brother in a farm accident, which made safety a priority for us,” Ms Bant said.
“It's about understanding why we do things a certain way and what could happen if we don’t.
“With Jess's support, we’ve implemented Safe Ag Systems which is an app for all our farm staff.
“This app reinforces our daily safety conversations, keeps track of our inductions with everything centralised on our phones.
“It logs hazards, tracks machine servicing schedules, and serves as a communication hub for our team, which is especially useful when we experience turnover.”
Ms Bant said her two biggest safety risks were operating quad bikes and working in close contact with animals.
Working with farmers like Ms Bant, Ms Brown and Fonterra’s Farm Source team are helping farmers navigate the complexities of daily farm operations and keeping them on track with their goals.
“Jess has been invaluable in getting us started with Safe Ag Systems. Her support is more than just professional. It feels like she’s part of our team,” Ms Bant said.
“Her gentle reminders and updates keep us on track, showing that she’s committed to our farm’s success and team’s safety, she’s not just a member from the factory we supply.”
National Farm Safety Week runs from 14 – 21 July and was an initiative of Farm Safe Australia.
This year’s theme, ‘In Safe Hands,’ shone a spotlight on the critical role of safety in ensuring the prosperity and health of all Australian farmers.
The underlying message of the campaign was farmers and farm workers need to take ownership of their own safety by recognising that safety is a choice, or a series of choices, they make every day.
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