Fonterra supports National Farm Safety Week
This week marks 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.
Our 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.
Cudgee dairy farmer Emma Bant priorities safety on farm, ensuring it remains part of daily conversations with all team members.
Fonterra Farm Source Area Manager and People Specialist in southwest Victoria, Jess Brown, brings a hands-on approach and deep understanding of farm operations, making her an invaluable resource for farmers developing goals and actions for safe work practices.
“The most important part of farm safety is the awareness of it,” Jess 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,” she added.
Fonterra farmers Emma Bant and Lucas Guyett run a 1000-cow operation in Cudgee, southwest Victoria over two neighbouring properties with 10 staff.
Working closely with Jess, 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. 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,” Emma said.
“It logs hazards, tracks machine servicing schedules, and serves as a communication hub for our team, which is especially useful when we experience turnover," she added.
Daily conversations are key
Emma makes safety a priority, ensuring it’s part of daily conversations with her team, a habit she picked up 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.
"Dad would emphasise taking things slow and doing them right, which is something I've adopted in how I run our farm and train our staff.”
Keep calm and collected
Emma’s two biggest safety risks are operating quad bikes and working in close contact with animals. She stressed the need to lead by example and always remain cool, calm and collected.
"The two biggest safety concerns we talk about daily are quad bike safety and safe interactions with our cows. We have big hills on our farm, so it's crucial to not be reckless and recognise the dangers involved with these vehicles.
“Similarly, working calmly and carefully around cows is vital, their heads can be unexpectedly dangerous for inexperienced staff."
Celebrate the progress
Emma’s advice for others working on their safety plans was to celebrate the small wins and progress made.
"I recommend breaking your plan down into small, manageable goals. 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 making constant progress,” she said.
A shared commitment to success and safety
Working with farmers like Emma, Jess 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,” Emma 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," Emma finished.
National Farm Safety Week runs from 14 – 21 July 2024 and is an initiative of Farm Safe Australia.
This year’s theme, 'In Safe Hands,' shines a spotlight on the critical role of safety in ensuring the prosperity and health of all Australian farmers.
The underlying message of the campaign is that farmers and farm workers need to take ownership of their own safety by recognising that safety is a choice, or a series of choices that they make every day.