Farming is more than just a profession—it's a way of life deeply embedded in society. It sustains communities, feeds nations, and preserves traditions passed down through generations. However, farming is also one of the most dangerous occupations, with a high rate of workplace injuries and fatalities. The Victorian Farmers Federation’s (VFF) Making Our Farms Safer (MOFS) team addresses this by improving safety on farms through education, prevention, and cultural change.
MOFS project stands out through its 'By-Farmer-For-Farmer' approach, drawing on the insights of those who know farming best. With a proven track record of creating practical handbooks on topics like Child Safety, Older Farmer Safety, and Chemical Handling, MOFS ensures that these guides are both relatable and actionable. Collaborating directly with farmers, we create materials that address real-world challenges, understanding that time and financial constraints are just two of the many priorities farmers face.
Currently, MOFS team is focusing on an increasingly urgent issue—mental health. In rural communities, farmers often struggle with isolation, financial stress, and maintaining livelihoods under tough conditions. The stigma around mental health, coupled with limited professional services in rural areas, leaves many farmers and their families feeling unsupported. To address this, MOFS has formed a Mental Health Handbook Steering Committee, bringing together farmers and rural health professionals, including psychologists and social workers. The resulting handbook will be a vital tool for recognising when help is needed and guiding farmers toward appropriate support.
The mental health handbook is slated for completion by November 2024 and will be available in both print and digital formats, making it accessible to everyone.
Keep an eye out for its release—it will be a valuable resource for farmers and their families!
In addition to mental health work, MOFS offers a wide range of free services to all Victorian farmers, including farm safety visits and workshops. Senior Farm Safety Advisor, Paul Wearing, plays a key role in delivering these services, offering expert advice and practical support.
Free Farm Safety Visits:
The cornerstone of MOFS is the free farm safety visits. Led by Paul, these on-site consultations help farmers identify potential hazards and recommend practical improvements. Paul conducts thorough assessments of machinery, livestock handling, chemical storage, and more, providing tailored solutions to mitigate risks and ensure safety compliance. These visits are free, non-regulatory and advisory, offering guidance without enforcement pressure.
Educational Workshops:
Education is crucial for prevention, which is why MOFS offers workshops and speaking sessions on various farm safety topics. From safe machinery operation to understanding occupational health risks, the face-to-face sessions allow farmers to engage directly, ask questions, and deepen their knowledge of farm safety. Each workshop is tailored to the specific concerns of the community.
Resources and Support:
MOFS also provides a wealth of online resources. The MOFS website serves as a central hub for safety checklists, guides, and tools that simplify farm safety management. These resources are organised by key topics—such as machinery, children, older farmers, and animals—and are available for free download.
All Victorian farmers to take full advantage of the MOFS program, and even those outside Victoria can benefit from the online resources.
Visit www.makingourfarmssafer.org.au or call MOFS project manager, Delshea Sobhee on 0458 930 777 to book a free farm safety visit, to request a safety briefing in the community, meet the team, and learn more about how they can help make every farm a safer place to work and live.
Connect with MOFS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or reach out via email at [email protected].
MOFS are excited to collaborate in building safer farms and more resilient communities.
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