Settled amidst Rupanyup North and Minyip district is Scott’s multigenerational family farm, a cornerstone of agriculture for over a century. Working in the fields, raising livestock, and cultivating familial roots have instilled in Scott an unwavering commitment to worksite safety, a determination to safeguard his loved ones, employees, and their accomplishments.
Though integrating safety principles into habit required initial effort, Scott affirms, “Now, it doesn’t just save us time but has also significantly boosted our productivity since everyone knows their tasks.”
Beyond productivity, Scott’s prime gratification stems from the assurance that he’s shielding his kinship and workforce. Referencing his wife Stacey, two daughters, and employee Lachie—who also has a young family—he emphasises the importance of pre-empting unwanted incidents that could require distressing phone calls.
Scott initiated safety protocols with incremental yet significant alterations—vehicle upkeep, Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) and dispensing the Vic Emergency App amongst all hands. Participating within the Safety Learning Network facilitated by WorkSafe, as well as networking with various agribusinesses, emphasized some farm aspects needing enhancement, most notably instituting formal worker induction.
It was here, Scott concedes, he felt overwhelmed. Engaging the expertise of a safety consultant proved invaluable, restoring peace of mind, cultivating confidence, and simplifying adherence to WHS Management Systems, such as the Bluesafe SWMS. Scott fervently promotes this approach, advocating consultations to fellow farmers embarking on their safety journeys.
You’re never alone in this pursuit, advises Scott. Reach out to farming peers you perceive as more sophisticated—they’d gladly share wisdom and relieve unnecessary burdens.
A hurdle Scott faced pertained to acquiring appropriate signage for his chemical shed, a common predicament within farming. A visit from WorkSafe Inspector, Will Neville, resolved this perplexing issue. Praise for Scott’s readiness to learn and continually optimise farm safety is abundant with Neville vocally endorsing the farmer’s proactive stance.
Utilising assistance from WorkSafe and external resources bore dual benefits; enhanced precautionary measures reduced risks, promoting both public health and organisational competence. “Indeed, it initially seemed a mammoth task but open dialogues proved instrumental, and gradual modifications were simpler than anticipated,” Scott elucidates.
“The legacy of our farm is potent—a testament that would be devastatingly marred by avoidable calamities resulting from lax safety norms.” He opines, “Striving for consistent enhancement in workplace safety honours our heritage while protecting forthcoming lineages.”
Surprisingly, while agriculture comprises a scant two percent of Victoria’s workforce, it’s the grim backdrop to over 10 percent of all workplace fatalities. Since 2021, agricultural workplaces mourn 33 deaths, including one this year.
WorkSafe has registered 2,245 injury claims from agriculture workers during the same period, stated Sam Jenkin, WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety. He posits farmers warrant support for implementing safety procedures suited to their unique circumstances.
“Farmers have an intrinsic understanding of their land, machinery, and personnel. We aim to empower them with tools instilling confidence and prompting a shift wherein safety becomes intrinsically woven into farm life.”
Jenkin declares, “Agriculture might prove challenging, but it shouldn’t neglect personal safety. Nothing surpasses the worth of safeguarding loved ones and employees you interact with daily.”
Through WorkSafe’s influential ‘It’s never you, until it is’ campaign—featuring on TV, radio, print, and online platforms—Scott is amplifying the importance of farm safety, sharing introspective narratives to institute change.
For additional information and assistance, visit:
Farm safety campaign
Improving safety and skills for Victorian farmers through ‘The Making our Farm Safer’ project.
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-04/working-towards-safer-future-farming-families