Thursday 24 October 2013
MEDIA RELEASE: Australian Fodder Industry Association
National Hay Safe Day – Take 5 for Safety this Friday
National Hay Safe Day, a day focusing on safety in the hay and silage industries is Friday October 25. To mark this day Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) Chair Ann Collins is asking everyone involved in the fodder industry to take some time to think about safety this Friday, and to maintain that safety focus throughout this hay and silage season.
“If you are involved in the fodder industry please take 5 minutes this Friday (October 25) to think about safety in your business. One of the best ways to do this is to discuss it over a cuppa with staff and family. In our business we started having ‘toolbox meetings’ a casual chat amongst our team about a range of things at the start of the day, we’ve found it’s the perfect time to talk about safety in our business” said Ann Collins, AFIA Chair.
“There are plenty of simple things we can all do to ensure that safety is front of mind when we are making and transporting hay and silage this season. There are many simple things we can all do to improve on farm safety, such as ensuring everyone wears high visibility clothing”. Ms Collins said.
“If you need some new ideas have a look at the safety page on the AFIA website where you can check out our fodder safety check list or download safety signage for your workplace” Continued Ann.
“Work health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, and AFIA is encouraging everyone to take the Hay Safe Day messages to consider safety and focus on preventing accidents from happening part of your hay or silage business” Ann concluded.
Hay Safe Day is the initiative Suzanne Woods an AFIA member, fodder grower and hay exporter from Calingiri in Western Australia. Tragically on October 25, 2009, Suzanne lost her father in an accident on their farm.
As part of National Hay Safe Day AFIA is encouraging people to share their safety initiatives, photos of toolbox meetings or other hay safe day activities on the AFIA facebook page (AFIA Ltd – Generation Ag) or twitter (@ausfodder) #fodder13 #haysafeday and to complete the fodder safety survey (available on the AusFodder facebook page or click here to access it)for a chance to win some great prizes. Competitions close on 30 October, 2013 and winners will be announced in early November.
For more information on safety in the fodder industry please contact the AFIA office on 03 9530 2199 or visit afia.org.au