Rural

August is rural/farming month

This August, WorkCover throws the spotlight on the rural and farming communities of NSW. We offer a range of targeted services, including one-on-one guidance, workshops, rebates, and support for programs addressing issues like mental health and training for new workers.
See below for some of the ways we are trying to help, then call us on 13 10 50 for advice.

Rural field day at Agquip

The annual event – this year held in August in Gunnedah – will run for three days, showcasing the latest in agricultural machinery products and services.

WorkCover representatives will be on site to provide information on a range of safety issues, including farm machinery, silos, and ATVs. The WorkCover display will include working models of a grain silo and a grain auger, fitted with several features that not only improve safety but can also save time, increase production and reduce spillage. Visitors to the WorkCover stand will also be able to obtain information on new safety standards for grain auger, wood splitters and post drivers.

Entry level farm safety training program

Each year young people and other new farming workers are highly represented in the farming injuries and fatalities statistics.

WorkCover has engaged Farmsafe NSW to develop an entry level farm safety training package. The program draws on existing farm safety training and resources to develop a simple yet comprehensive training package for new farm workers. Training packages will be structured so that it can be delivered by farming groups, training organisations, or by farm owners and managers who have training capabilities with their new farm workers. Materials will be available free to not-for-profit providers. FarmSafe will be piloting the package in the agricultural sector.

Rural mental health support program

The Drought Recovery Assistance Package has committed $60,000 to support existing mental health prevention and support programs in regional and rural NSW.

WorkCover has to date sponsored a number of events in rural NSW, including the ‘Looking forward’ initiative under the banner of ‘Healthier Men! Healthier Families, Healthier Communities’. This program is organised by the YMCA and promoted through the Greater Western Area Health Service.

WorkCover is sponsoring further rural mental health initiatives throughout NSW and supporting organisations such as Anglicare, St Vincent De Paul and the Black Dog Institute.

Farm safety workshops

The Fostering Farm Safety Workshop program is an initiative to provide the farming community with practical safety advice on specific hazards and how to control them using low cost solutions.

The workshops are delivered by WorkCover representatives, but the farmers decide what particular hazards or work practices will be covered.

At the end of the workshops, farmers will have the skills to carry out a risk assessment on their own equipment or a work practice, and come up with a safer workplace for themselves, their workers and family members.

Farm safety information

The Farm Safety Information program reviews, prints and distributes guidance documents. Wherever possible, publications are harmonised with or developed in collaboration with other state regulators. Industry representatives are engaged in the development and review process, wherever possible. WorkCover is currently reviewing the Shearing guide and working with industry to develop practical guidance for wine production, and will be identifying solutions to reduce the incidence of fatality and injury associated with all terrain vehicle (ATV) use on farms.

Proposed partnership with Farmers Association

The NSW Farmers’ Association and WorkCover are working towards developing an industry partnership. Partnerships such as this provide a clear signal to employees and employers in the rural sector that both WorkCover and the Association are serious about finding ways to improve workplace safety, workers compensation and injury management.