FARMING families are encouraged to review farm safety practices as the school holidays continue.

NSW Farmers workplace relations spokesperson, Peter Wilson, said while summer could be a busy period on many farms, it is critical farm safety remains a top priority over the coming months.

“Growing up on a farm – or visiting one – can be a great learning opportunity for kids, but it can also expose them to some very different risks,” Mr Wilson said.

“The farm is home to children of farming families, but the farm is also a workplace, and so it needs to be managed accordingly.

“Currently, one in five fatalities on farm are children under the age of 15, and so it’s vital we do whatever we can to save more precious lives.”

Creating safe play areas, safely storing farm chemicals well out of reach and fencing off water hazards are all simple measures Mr Wilson said can go a long way to keeping farm kids safe this summer.

“School holidays and harvest season are always busy times, but safety should stay top of mind so all of our families can come home safe at the end of each day,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s also important parents have open discussions with children to help them understand the importance of respecting safety rules and of being aware of potential hazards on farm.

“Whether it’s farm kids out playing in the paddock or their city cousins coming out for a visit, we all want everyone to stay safe on farm this summer.”

Families are encouraged to review farm safety practices as the school holidays continue (Image: Australian Farmers’).

SafeWork NSW says farms are exciting places for children, but there are many risks.

Children who live on farms are at greater risk of injury and death than their parents or other farm workers.

In fact, the under-16 age group is one of the most vulnerable to work-related farm accidents in NSW. Children visiting farms account for more than 20 per cent of all child deaths on farms.

Meanwhile, NSW Farmers urges travellers to take extra care on country roads over Christmas and New year, with many regional roads and bridges still damaged and in need of urgent repair.

NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin, said the state’s road infrastructure remained in poor condition years on from major flooding, with drivers advised to take care when travelling to the bush this Christmas.

“The roads are pretty shocking in a lot of areas, and we’d hate to see a joyous time of the year turn to tragedy for any family,” Mr Martin said.

“We’re urging everyone to slow down, take care and keep an eye out so we can all get home for a happy Christmas.”

Even though long journeys could be frustrating, Mr Martin said, showing patience, kindness and keeping a safe distance was critical for everyone’s safety.

“Conditions may not be what you expect, so don’t take any risks because the results could be catastrophic,” Mr Martin said.

“Remember to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, take breaks when you need to and don’t be impatient – a safer time to overtake slower vehicles such as harvest trucks and machinery will always present itself.

“It’s better to be a little late than not to arrive at all.”

Media Release