Working with Worksafe - Pickering Brook Presentation

Last Monday, May 11, over 15 apple and stone fruit growers from Perth Hills and Jarrahdale gathered to attend informative presentations from WorkSafe. Attendees reported that they gained valuable insights from the presentations and felt that their participation was very worthwhile.

Geoff Kennedy presented “The Fruits of Safety” to emphasise the importance of safety when using machinery for growers and packhouse managers. According to statistics, the risk of injury and death is on the rise, and with new laws in place, safety is more critical than ever. The most affected age groups are individuals over 60 and those under 25. To combat complacency, it is essential to ensure proper supervision and provide effective training for younger employees. Key takeaways from the presentation include the necessity of reporting any machinery considered dangerous and ensuring that machinery is used according to the manufacturer’s standards. If equipment is deemed unsafe, using danger tags can be very effective. Additionally, it is important to implement an annual maintenance program for inspecting and maintaining machinery.

The second presentation was led by Lee Holland from AusChem, focusing on how to conduct risk assessments for hazardous substances. Lee shared a personal story about her brother-in-law, who passed away from cancer linked to farm chemical handling. This poignant account underscored the critical importance of adhering to protocols when performing risk assessments for every product.She distributed guides on how to conduct assessments, along with helpful tips such as completing one assessment at a time and reviewing first aid resources in advance. The main message of her talk emphasised the concept of Duty of Care and the necessity for training and refresher courses to stay updated on the latest information regarding chemical use.

The last presentation was by Tracy Blaskow from Kid Safe WA, and it was both informative and entertaining. Farm children grow up in a working environment, and it’s essential to implement measures to keep them safe from machinery, drowning hazards, and animals. Tracy also mentioned that children visiting farms may not be aware of certain dangers. While farm activities can seem like good clean fun, statistics show that injuries among children on farms highlight the need for greater attention to safety.

At the end of the evening, the growers I spoke with expressed that the presentations resonated with them. They agreed that informal events like this are a positive way to ensure they stay informed about new laws and can adequately protect themselves and their businesses while creating safe environments for workers and themselves.

Thank you to Ross Anile from WA Stonefruit for serving as the MC at the event. Online resources related to the topics presented will be made available to growers shortly.