Promoting safety within the horticulture industry is essential. Remote and hard-to-reach workplaces where chemicals and machines are readily used can create dangerous conditions, where unnecessary accidents and deaths occur. That’s why ISCRR’s Evaluation Lead, Dr Sarah Oxford, recently talked safety at Hort Connections 2024, an annual conference that brings together professionals from the horticulture industry, including growers, supply chain members, and industry experts.
Sarah moderated a safety discussion between a panel of horticulture experts, including Catherine Velisha (Director, Velisha Farms), James Parry (Technical Manager, Fragapane Farms), Katelyn Isles (General Manager of People and Safety, Bulmer Farms), and Neil Salvador (Director/Lawyer, NS8 Lawyers, and Advisors).
The discussion focused on decision fatigue and how the ever-mounting number of decisions that need to be made on farms can actually be a safety hazard. As this pressure and exhaustion affect farmers, their decision-making quality diminishes, potentially jeopardising safety. Everyone on the panel agreed that implementing practices and processes to reduce decision fatigue is a practical approach to enhancing safety.
Sarah was invited to Hort Connections due to her recent work with the VEG Education Victorian Fresh Produce Learning Network, a program funded by WorkSafe Victoria. The Victorian Fresh Produce Learning Network is transforming farm safety by engaging directly with farm owners and employees. ISCRR is evaluating this initiative to understand its impact on the culture, attitude, and behaviour of farmers and workers, with the aim of improving farm safety.
Eleven farms in four Victorian regions participated in the Safety Learning Network. VEG Education collaborated with each farm to conduct risk assessments and design tailored safe work systems from creating induction materials for non-English speaking staff to managing tractor operations and assessing noise levels.
Early findings indicate strong farmer engagement due to VEG Education’s trusted reputation in the industry and their commitment to staff safety. Formal interviews with farm managers are scheduled for August, with results to be shared in December.