Late last year Standards Australia released a new Standard AS 5340 “Livestock loading/unloading ramps & forcing pens” for the industry. The Standard was created on the back of a Coronial recommendation following a fatal accident which occurred in 2013. The…
WorkSafe Victoria have introduced a new Farm Safety Category into its annual safety awards, which are allocated during WorkSafe Month, in October, each year. The new award category acknowledges individuals or businesses who have made a significant difference and tangible…
There has been a marked increase in the purchase of quad bikes over the last few months, which has in part been attributed to the declarations by some of the major quad bike manufacturers that they will withdraw from the…
What a year! Can you believe 2021 is here? We can’t! As we reflect on 2020 and all the challenges it presented, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the year ahead. We’ve listed below five achievable resolutions and…
As part of its ‘Safer Farms’ election commitment to address skills and safety issues in the agriculture sector, the Victorian Government has provided new funding under the ‘Making Our Farms Safer’ initiative. This funding has enabled the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to…
WorkSafe Victoria have amended the Incident Notification reporting requirements due to COVID 19. The changes commenced on Tuesday 28 July 2020 and are for a 12 month period. The changes require duty holders to notify WorkSafe immediately after becoming aware that: an employee,…
There’s no doubt that agriculture is one of the most challenging, varied and rewarding jobs that people can choose to do. But it’s also one of the most dangerous environments to work in. It’s a confronting fact that, last year,…
On Friday the 19th of June 2020, the Fair Work Commission issued its decision for the Annual Wage Review 2019-20. The increase decided upon was 1.75%. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Commission altered and extended its timetable, to allow it…
A new offence of workplace manslaughter has been introduced into Victorian occupational health and safety laws and applies to a workplace death that occurs after 1 July 2020. The offence may also apply even when the death of the person…
From the 1st July 2020 pain relief for mulesing sheep will be mandatory under legislation in Victoria. This means that a pain relief product registered for use on sheep by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) must be…