NSW Farmers is reminding all holiday makers to be extra safe if visiting rural properties this summer.
While spending Christmas at a farm was a great way to reconnect with the bush, people needed to remember farms were workplaces with potential dangers for visitors.
NSW Farmers workplace relations spokesman Chris Stillard said everyone had a role to play in staying safe if visiting farms over the Christmas and summer holiday period.
“We love sharing our farming properties with family and friends, but visitors need to remember they are workplaces that need to be treated with respect,” Mr Stillard said.
“If you’re going to be visiting a farm, take the time to discuss potential safety risks such as dams, livestock, and vehicles.
“We want everyone to enjoy their time on a rural property, and a healthy dose of common sense and a few safety precautions will make sure everyone has a happy and safe Christmas.”
In particular, children needed to be closely supervised to avoid the risk of injury.
Potential visitors were reminded to keep away from working parts of a farm such as milking sheds or stockyards, avoid sheds containing tools and chemicals, and to only use vehicles such as motorbikes, quad bikes or side-by-sides if properly trained and wearing the correct safety equipment.
“Any workplace can be potentially dangerous, but what we do is make it as safe as possible for ourselves and our workers, and that extends to visitors as well,” Mr Stillard said.
“Common sense says you wouldn’t drive a car without a driver’s licence or ride a motorbike without a helmet, and the same goes for gear on-farm.
“Use those few hours it might take to travel out to a rural property to discuss safety, and make sure you can enjoy yourself and your time while avoiding tragedy.”
