SafeWork NSW’s will hold a free community farm safety event at Broken Hill today.
The event will be held this afternoon at the Aged Person Rest Centre and will give local farmers the opportunity to speak with SafeWork NSW and their farm industry partners about all aspects of farm safety including animal handling, animal-borne diseases, tractor and other machinery safety, safe use of chemicals and child safety.
SafeWork NSW Group Director, Regional Operations and Sector Initiatives, Tony Williams said the event was part of a comprehensive program of events in and around Broken Hill which reflected SafeWork’s commitment to helping farmers in the Broken Hill District as well as those in the broader far west region be safer.
“Every farmer and farm worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace and SafeWork NSW is committed to reducing deaths and injuries on farms,” Mr Williams said.
“The event is being held in partnership with NSW Farmers and the Country Women’s Association, and will include samples of quad bike safety equipment for people to try on and inspect, including helmets and operator protective devices.
“All eligible farmers and farm workers who attend will qualify for SafeWork NSW’s quad bike and small business rebates valued at up to $2,500.
“I urge all local farmers to come along and learn how to make their farms safer.”
The community farm safety event runs from 12.30pm – 1.30pm at the Aged Person Rest Centre, 240 Blende Street, Broken Hill.
SafeWork NSW has also partnered with Tocal College to deliver free quad bike safety training courses in the Broken Hill area on 26, 27 and 28 September.
“The training is nationally recognised and tailored to the farming community, covering safe operations, active riding techniques, how to load and secure quads onto trailers and trucks, and WHS issues,” Mr Williams said.
“All participants who complete the course will receive a free helmet suitable for riding a quad bike worth $120.”
For further information and to register, visit the Tocal College website or call 02 4939 8881.
The NSW Quad Bike Safety Industry Action Group will also meet in Broken Hill today.
The Industry Action Group is an initiative of SafeWork’s Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program and comprises representatives from the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, rural sector, government and emergency services. The meeting will discuss the status of the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program and look at new ways to encourage and support farmers to improve safety.
For more information on the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program visit the SafeWork website or call 13 10 50.
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