18 July 2011
DAFF11/196L
Improved quad bike safety will be the focus of the 10th annual National Farm Safety Week which will run from today until Friday.
Agriculture Minister Senator Joe Ludwig said National Farm Safety week, a Farmsafe Australia initiative, aims to raise awareness of farm safety issues in rural communities across Australia.
“Over the past 10 years there have been 140 quad bike deaths on farms, and sadly there have already been 12 such incidents in the first six months of this year,” Minister Ludwig said.
“While quad bikes may appear to be easy to manage and stable, those who ride them know this isn’t always the case. That’s why a key element of this year’s Farm Safety Week is educating and training quad bike users on safe work practices.”
This year’s theme continues to highlight the importance of government, businesses and industry working together to improve the well-being of Australian farmers through improved attention to farm health and safety.
“Farming communities need ready access to improved education and training in farm safety to reduce the risk of injury and illness associated with agricultural production,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Government and other agencies play important roles in supporting farmers to improve their health and safety. The wider community can also help by developing a culture of safety in rural communities and the networks that support farmers and their families.”
Farmsafe Australia is collaboration between government, business and industry committed to achieving improved health and safety on Australian Farms.
For more information on National Farm Safety Week, which runs from 18 - 22 July 2011, visit www.farmsafe.org.au.
