WorkSafe appeals to country women to help improve farm safety

28 May 2008

WorkSafe has launched a new farm safety guide at the Country Womens’ Association’s State Conference in Melbourne urging members to help make the state’s farms safer.

The guide targets the safety of All Terrain Vehicles which are responsible for around 10 deaths each year around Australia.

Since July 2006 there have been four fatalities involving ATV's on Victorian farms.

The total number of injuries is not known but a new United States research has found the injury to death rate involving ATV’s was 210:1.

The new guide, developed by the Victorian Farm Safety Centre at Ballarat University and farm sector groups provides case studies of ATV crashes and tips to maximise safety of the machines.

Launching the guide, the Director of WorkSafe’s Programs and Projects Division, Sophie Anastasov said women could play a significant role in ensuring farms were as safe as possible.

“ATVs, or quad bikes as they’re sometimes known, are popular, handy around the farm and at times great fun. This guide will help everyone on farms improve their chances of making it through to tomorrow.

She urged women to help WorkSafe make a difference by influencing the safety behaviours of partners, family members and employees.

“In identifying problems and how to fix them the guide shows how to create a case for higher standards to be applied.

“As mums, wives, employers, employees we don’t have to deal with the loss of family and friends. We can make a difference because we can make a difference.

“We cannot always eliminate all risks, but we can minimise them and prevent the various factors that cause injuries from coming together.

WorkSafe’s guide to ATV safety can be found online at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au, regional WorkSafe offices or by calling 1800 136 089, along with a range of other farm safety publications.

The guide was developed in response to the recommendations of the Parliament’s Rural and Regional Services and Development Committee’s inquiry into the causes of deaths and injury on Victorian Farms.

Media inquiries: Paul Fallon - 0438 381 364

ATV safety tips

· If you’re looking to make a purchase, look at the options for the different sorts of ATVs and other farm utility vehicles that are now on the market.

· Choose something that suits your particular needs.

· The guide encourages all users to wear a helmet, follow the makers’ operating and maintenance instructions and not carry passengers, especially children.

· Above-all treat your ATV with respect, understand the terrain you’re on and most importantly, your own limitations, particularly if you’re getting older