WorkSafe has released the Agriculture Action Plan 2014-2016 which is aimed at helping the agriculture sector to keep workplaces safe.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said today the document was part of WorkSafe’s strategy to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities in the WA agriculture sector.

“Serious injury and fatality rates in the agriculture sector are among the highest of any industry sector in WA,” Mr McCulloch said.

“WorkSafe is working with the agricultural community to bring these numbers down, and an important part of this work is providing as much information as possible on how to comply with workplace safety and health laws.

“The document that has recently been made available was developed in partnership with major stakeholders in the agriculture sector, and I acknowledge the commitment shown by these organisations in developing the material.”

The Agricultural Action Plan 2014-2016 targets farmers and farm workers, providing information and detailing plans for improving safety in areas where the risks of serious injury are high.

The Plan was developed by WorkSafe in partnership with:

• WA Farmers Federation
• Farmsafe WA Alliance
• Country Women’s Association
• Department of Agriculture and Food
• WA Shearing Industry Association
• Department of Education WA
• Farm Machinery and Industry Association of WA
• Food, Fibre & Timber Industries Training Council (WA)
• Pastoralists and Graziers Association WA.

Employers in the agriculture sector were also encouraged to utilise the Agricultural Safety and Health Checklist on the WorkSafe website to identify any potential hazards in their workplaces.

“I strongly believe that collaboration, information and education are the best ways in which to create safer workplaces in WA,” Mr McCulloch said.

“I encourage all farmers, farming families, agriculturalists and agricultural workers, students and other stakeholders to become involved in helping reduce injury and disease in the WA agriculture sector.”

Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only)

caroline.devaney@commerce.wa.gov.au

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