Almost 500 Victorian Children Treated in Hospital Annually for Farm Injuries
Thursday, 20 July 2017 14:34
Kidsafe
Kidsafe Victoria has launched
its 'Staying Safe on the Farm' creative competition aimed at preventing the
number of serious injuries on farms, which are responsible for ten children
a week being treated in hospital.
The competition is supported by WorkSafe Victoria.
Kidsafe Victoria General Manager, Jason Chambers said statistics from the
Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit show that in 2015/16, 491 Victorian children
aged 0-14 years were treated in hospital for an injury that occurred on a farm.
"Common injury
hazards for children on farms include machinery, vehicles (e.g. tractors and
motorbikes), animals, water hazards (e.g. dams, rivers, creeks and animal drinking
troughs) and poisons (e.g. pesticides)", said Mr Chambers.
"Farms typically
combine the family home and an industrial workplace, which means children are
exposed to a wide range of hazards that aren't present in urban home environment."
Mr Chambers said that being aware of potential injury hazards and measures that
can be put in place to reduce the risk is not only vital for families that live
on farms, but also those who are visiting a farm.
Primary school children throughout the State will be asked to turn their
creative minds to developing videos, illustrated stories, posters or infographics
as part of the statewide community awareness campaign.
A range of prizes will
be awarded to the winners of the competition, with the winning entries also
being utilised as part of a statewide farm safety social media awareness campaign.
WorkSafe Executive Director, Health and Safety Marnie Williams said farmers
needed to reinforce that safety was a number one priority for people working,
living and visiting farms.
"Eight out of a total 15 workplace fatalities in Victoria this year have occurred
on farms. Farmers need make sure they manage the risks and set boundaries to
protect everyone from harm."