Fonterra Champions Farm Safety with Dedicated Support for National Farm Safety Week
Source: The DairyNews
This week marks National Farm Safety Week, and Fonterra Australia is once again proudly supporting this initiative to educate dairy communities on the critical importance of farm safety and the concept of being 'In Safe Hands.'
Since 2001, non-intentional injuries have claimed the lives of 1,705 people on Australian farms, with nearly 30% of these fatalities involving tractors and quad bikes. Fonterra’s Farm Source team in Victoria and Tasmania plays a pivotal role in assisting farmers with their safety goals, offering expert advice, specialized tools, and hands-on support to create and maintain safe working environments.
Jess Brown, Fonterra Farm Source Area Manager and People Specialist in southwest Victoria, emphasizes the importance of farm safety awareness. "The most important part of farm safety is the awareness of it," she says. "Many farmers take safety seriously but feel overwhelmed by the task of formalizing 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, who manage a 1,000-cow operation in Cudgee, southwest Victoria, have embraced a step-by-step approach to safety with Jess’s support. They use a mobile app system, Safe Ag Systems, to enhance their safety practices and streamline daily farm operations. This app helps track hazards, manage machine servicing schedules, and centralize communication for their team, especially during staff turnover.
Emma Bant highlights the significance of integrating safety into daily routines, a practice she learned from her father. "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. It’s about understanding why we do things a certain way and what could happen if we don’t."
Emma’s approach to farm safety involves leading by example and maintaining a calm demeanor, particularly when operating quad bikes and working closely with animals. "We have big hills on our farm, so it’s crucial to not be reckless and recognize the dangers involved with these vehicles. Similarly, working calmly and carefully around cows is vital, as their heads can be unexpectedly dangerous for inexperienced staff."
She advises others to celebrate small safety achievements and progress. "Safety is never a one-and-done deal; it’s constantly evolving with new staff and changes on the farm. It’s important to celebrate the small wins and make constant progress."
Working with dedicated specialists like Jess Brown, Fonterra’s Farm Source team helps farmers navigate daily operational complexities and stay aligned with their safety goals. "Jess has been invaluable in getting us started with Safe Ag Systems. Her support feels like she’s part of our team," Emma remarks. "Her gentle reminders and updates keep us on track, showing that she’s committed to our farm’s success and team’s safety."
National Farm Safety Week runs from 14–21 July 2024, organized by Farm Safe Australia. This year’s theme, ‘In Safe Hands,’ underscores the vital role of safety in ensuring the prosperity and health of Australian farmers. The campaign's core message is that safety is a choice, or a series of choices, that farmers and farm workers make every day.
Jess Brown, Fonterra Farm Source Area Manager and People Specialist in southwest Victoria, emphasizes the importance of farm safety awareness. "The most important part of farm safety is the awareness of it," she says. "Many farmers take safety seriously but feel overwhelmed by the task of formalizing 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, who manage a 1,000-cow operation in Cudgee, southwest Victoria, have embraced a step-by-step approach to safety with Jess’s support. They use a mobile app system, Safe Ag Systems, to enhance their safety practices and streamline daily farm operations. This app helps track hazards, manage machine servicing schedules, and centralize communication for their team, especially during staff turnover.
Emma Bant highlights the significance of integrating safety into daily routines, a practice she learned from her father. "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. It’s about understanding why we do things a certain way and what could happen if we don’t."
Emma’s approach to farm safety involves leading by example and maintaining a calm demeanor, particularly when operating quad bikes and working closely with animals. "We have big hills on our farm, so it’s crucial to not be reckless and recognize the dangers involved with these vehicles. Similarly, working calmly and carefully around cows is vital, as their heads can be unexpectedly dangerous for inexperienced staff."
She advises others to celebrate small safety achievements and progress. "Safety is never a one-and-done deal; it’s constantly evolving with new staff and changes on the farm. It’s important to celebrate the small wins and make constant progress."
Working with dedicated specialists like Jess Brown, Fonterra’s Farm Source team helps farmers navigate daily operational complexities and stay aligned with their safety goals. "Jess has been invaluable in getting us started with Safe Ag Systems. Her support feels like she’s part of our team," Emma remarks. "Her gentle reminders and updates keep us on track, showing that she’s committed to our farm’s success and team’s safety."
National Farm Safety Week runs from 14–21 July 2024, organized by Farm Safe Australia. This year’s theme, ‘In Safe Hands,’ underscores the vital role of safety in ensuring the prosperity and health of Australian farmers. The campaign's core message is that safety is a choice, or a series of choices, that farmers and farm workers make every day.
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