LIVESTOCK

Hey hey it's National Hay Safe Day

AFIA is celebrating National Hay Safe Day, which aims to promote safe hay and silage practices.

Staff Writer
 AFIA are promoting hay and silage safety today. Photo courtesy of AFIA.

AFIA are promoting hay and silage safety today. Photo courtesy of AFIA.

With growers around the country currently loading, carting, unloading and stacking hay to meet hot demand ahead of a long and dry summer, the annual safety day held on 25 October, provides a timely reminder to reflect on safe practices when working and living around hay bales and silage.

FarmSafe Australia reported earlier this year 55 people died from accidents on farms in 2022, and 158 people suffered non-fatal injuries, which AFIA chief executive officer, Paula Fitzgerald, said takes a massive toll on families, communities and workplaces.
 
"Tractors and quad bikes, vital pieces of farm equipment, have been involved in more than 30 per cent of on farm accident fatalities since 2001," she said.

"As a result, this National Hay Safe Day, working with our safety partner Safe Ag Systems, we have released two new fact sheets focusing on quad bike and tractor safety for fodder producers.
 
"While legislation has attempted to boost safety features, human error, fatigue, poor mental health and complacency around routine tasks, especially during busy or stressful times, are factors to be considered in staying safe day-to-day on your farm."

In addition to machinery and livestock safety risks on farms, Fitzgerald said the fodder industry has additional hazards, like stacking, unstacking, storing and transporting hay and silage.
 
"Large square hay bales can weigh up to 650 kilograms, so it's vital to be informed about safely moving, transporting and storing them to prevent falling, rolling and crushing incidences around you, your workers and your family," she said. 
 
"Workplace health and safety doesn't have to be onerous. Safe Ag Systems, our safety partner offers software which covers everything - from training and inductions and identifying major hazards and safe practices to mental health and fatigue management resources."
 
AFIA has released Fodder Safety Briefs on telehandler safety, traffic management plans and worker training, and safety signage, as part of recent hay safe initiatives. 

The new safety resources can be found here.  
 

 

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Field Days Wrap (November 2024)

Kondinin Group's research team has the low down on the latest gear that was on show at various field days held around the country in the past few months.

editions

Research Report: Trailing Sheep Feeders (October 2024)

Trailing sheep feeders are on the menu for Kondinin Group's October Research Report with nine popular models covered.

editions

Research Report: Livestock Management Software (September 2024)

Kondinin Group's September Research Report looks at a range of livestock management software platforms which can make life a lot easier when it comes to efficient sheep and cattle production.

editions

Research Report: Grain Storage (August 2024)

This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at the benefits and challenges associated with ground level storage with a focus on growers who have done it successfully.