Workshops and training sessions
Conducted various workshops aimed at educating farmers about safety practices.
VEG Education
The Victorian Fresh Produce Network pilot worked with farmers in the horticulture industry to build trust and address critical safety issues in agriculture.
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Working with farmers in the horticulture industry to improve farm safety
VEG education led the safety learning network program with Victorian farmers in the horticulture industry. Working closely with farmers, VEG wanted to build trust with the participating farmers and work together to addresses safety concerns on their properties. VEG targeted farmers in the horticulture industry from across four regional hubs in Victoria (Sunraysia, Goulburn Valley, Gippsland and Werribee South).
They worked together to develop resources that improved communication with multicultural workers.
The participants made videos to instruct workers on machinery and completing tasks. Workers can access these videos via QR codes on machinery, emails, and training modules.
They also addressed the risk of improper use of PTO’s without guarding, which posed significant dangers to tractor operations. To address this risk, VEG assisted the farm with comprehensive training programs for managers and supervisors to use on the proper attachment and use of the PTOs with guards.
Working with Victorian farmers in the horticulture to address critical safety issues in agriculture to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities in the fresh produce sector
The goal of the network is to increase safety on farms by creating a collaborative network. The network consisted of Victorian growers in the horticulture industry. The network engaged directly with 12 farms across four growing regions in Victoria. The network focused on identifying enablers and barriers, developing targeted initiatives, and driving changes in safety.
The aim of the project was to address critical safety issues in the agriculture industry. They wanted to foster a culture of safety that benefits individual farms and the broader community.
The pilot wanted to shift mindsets and behaviours toward improved risk management. By reaching this goal, there would be benefits to the horticulture industry at all levels.
Key activities
Key activities
Site visits
Engaged directly with 12 farms across 4 regions through site visits to discuss safety processes and systems, fostering open conversations about safety concerns.
Safe work systems
Worked with each farm to develop and implement a safe work system to improve farm safety.
Knowledge sharing initiatives
Implemented innovative solutions like QR codes for accessing safety information and instructional videos for machinery operation.
Networking events
Participated in industry conferences and events to promote project goals, share insights, and build connections within the agriculture community.
The pilot has made progress in strengthening partnerships and shifting management attitudes and behaviours. Laying the foundation for an improved safety culture.
Some of the key outcomes of the program were:
- shift in attitudes to prioritise safety, starting at the leadership level
- adoption of new communications tools like safety videos
- creation of a more collaborative environment where employees can voice safety concerns
- increased safety awareness, especially through induction videos
- greater preparedness and safety-conscious attitudes emerging
- more ownership over personal safety and reporting of concerns
- shift to viewing safety as a top priority starting with leadership
- more staff consultation on safety issues
- improved communications of safety expectations
- induction videos effective for setting clear safety expectations.