FARM safety coves a range of issues, including Occupational, Health and Safety, (OHS) bushfire action plans, mental health, and first aid, and the team at the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) can help get these systems in place.
Modern OHS systems offer tools and processes tailored to agricultural operations - taking the stress away from the everyday operation of the farm, including risk control, equipment management and incident reporting to prevent recurrence.
There is also training available to ensure workers can perform tasks safely.
Then there is the bushfire survival plan. The CFA advises creating a bushfire plan to protect family, workers and visitors, as well as a contingency plan in case fire impacts the land.
The plan should include livestock and pets. Several areas in Victoria have already been impacted this season. It is important to identify where to go in the case of an emergency.
The next message from the VFF is first aid. An issue can arise on the farm at any time, and immediate first aid response is critical for a positive outcome. The VFF offer first aid training that equips farmers and rural communities with skills to handle emergency situations before professional help arrives.
The VFF have also just launched a Back on Track program in 2025. This peer-guided mental health initiative is designed to support farming communities, helping those experiencing low mood or depression. It offers flexible delivery over 10 weeks to suit rural needs and is available to anyone over the age of 15 in the areas in Gippsland.
Free mindfulness courses are also available, running from February 24 to March 23. This course is run over four weeks and is designed to help farmers and rural residents manage stress, boost mental wellbeing and improve focus.
Life on the farm can be stressful so visit www.VFF.org.au to help get action plans in place and look after the health and wellbeing of those living and working on the land.
