Farms are among the most dangerous workplaces in Victoria. The agriculture industry employs about 2% of the Victorian workforce whilst accounting for approximately 30% of workplace deaths across the state.
The VEG Education Victorian Fresh Produce Network, a program funded by WorkSafe Victoria, engages directly with farm owners and employees, to foster a safety-first approach in the industry.
ISCRR evaluated this initiative to understand its impact on the culture, attitude, and behaviour of farmers and workers. Eleven farms in four Victorian regions participated in the Safety Network. VEG Education collaborated with each farm to conduct risk assessments and design tailored safe work systems, from creating induction materials for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) workers, to managing tractor operations and assessing noise levels.
The evaluation findings highlight a significant behaviour change among farm owners and managers involved in the pilot program. Their increased awareness of Occupational Health and Safety has led to a shift in attitudes, with safety now viewed as a priority beginning at the leadership level. This shift has resulted in greater accountability and a proactive approach to integrating safety measures into farm operations.
As the interventions were staggered, it’s too early to fully assess the program’s impact on behaviour change across all participating employees. Some evidence suggests improved safety awareness and preparedness among workers.
Feedback from participants underscores the program’s effectiveness in enhancing safety culture, particularly at the management level, where engagement and alignment with VEG Education’s values have been essential. The trust in VEG Education’s expertise and their understanding of the farming community have been critical to the program’s success and widespread endorsement among participants.
“I think to have a network in this particular industry, I think VEG Education are great drivers of it. They’re great connectors too, of different farmers, growers, distributors in this industry. I think they’re the right people to bring people together on it”.
– Participant #6
Recommendations for further success include focusing on three key areas:
Based on the feedback from participants, the pilot should continue, as it has demonstrated value in improving safety culture and fostering industry collaboration.
To hear more about the results from this evaluation, register for our December Learning Series Webinar, “Transforming Farm Safety: Insights from the Victorian Fresh Produce Network”.
