With the majority of NSW’s farming events being postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19, the NSW Government has launched a new virtual platform to ensure agricultural workers have access to safety training.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson, said the new training tool had been developed in conjunction with the NSW Farmers Association and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“This week is farm safety week, and as we go into harvesting season it’s important to be aware of additional risks to those working in the agriculture sector that need to be properly managed,” Mr Anderson said.
Farming and harvesting is physically demanding and can require operating heavy machinery, the use of quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles, as well as working with a range of hazardous chemicals.
“We have developed the Virtual Farm Safety Experience so that even during these times, people working in agriculture still have the tools and skills necessary to do their job with minimal risk.
“COVID-19 has cancelled many face-to-face agriculture events, but by using technology we can replicate a farm safety day, and ensure farmers can still have interactive conversations and training sessions with industry experts.”
Eligible attendees will be able to access a $500 small business rebate as well as the NSW Quad bike rebates on completion.
SafeWork NSW will host the virtual training at https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/yourindustry/agriculture,-forestry-and-fishing/farming.
