Image: Olive producers are being urged to keep safety front of mind, as harvest continues across Australia.
By Laura Thomas
Australian olive producers are being urged to keep farm safety front of mind as harvest and processing operations continue in groves across the country.
Official agriculture industry figures show 2024 was horror year for those working on the land, with the number of farm fatalities doubling.
According to data released by Agrifutures and AgHealth Australia in March, A total of 72 lives were lost and 133 serious injuries recorded, with side-by-side farm vehicles, quad bikes and tractors continuing as the leading cause.
The sobering statistics prompted an urgent call to action by Farmsafe Australia, which described the issue as a “preventable crisis”.
And as Australians prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, it seems Federal Government assistance is now on the way, with both sides of politics promising to provide $2.5m for on-farm safety if re-elected.
The National Farmers Federation and Farmsafe Australia praised the bipartisan funding commitment last week, describing it as “a game-changer for safety efforts on the ground”.
“This funding enables us to deliver more practical, farmer-focused resources and campaigns that speak directly to the realities of working in agriculture,” Farmsafe Australia Chair Felicity Richards said in a National Farmers Federation media release.
“It also gives us the confidence to continue building a national culture where safety is not an afterthought but part of every decision on the farm.”
Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan echoed this sentiment and urged olive growers to sharpen their safety focus throughout harvest and beyond.
“As with all agricultural tasks, potential safety hazards exist within the olive grove, during harvest, processing and beyond,” he said.
“All olive growers and producers understand the inherent risks involved with working on their own farms.
“Whether it’s environmental factors, the use of heavy machinery, harvest and processing equipment, ATVs and side-by-sides, load transport, or chemical and fertiliser application, all risks must be regularly considered and evaluated.”
Southan reminded producers not to become complacent, especially with the extra pressures brought about by peak harvest season.
“At this time of year, olive growers are dealing with the stress and fatigue of time-critical olive harvest and oil processing,” he said.
“They’re working through labour and contractor shortages, multi-tasking, trying to get everything done to a high standard and on time. Rest and mental health often take a back-seat.
“It’s times like these that it’s even more important to stop, think and focus on safety when working in the grove.
“We’ve all got an important role to play in good farm safety.”
The United Nations’ World Day for Safety and Health at Work was also acknowledged on Monday.
This annual event focuses attention on what is recognised as a significant problem worldwide, and highlights the vital role positive health and safety education can play in preventing workplace fatalities and injury.
