SafeWork NSW has launched a new virtual platform to ensure agricultural workers have access to safety training.
As the majority of NSW’s farming events are postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19, the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson said the new training tool, Virtual Farm Safety, had been developed in conjunction with the NSW Farmers Association and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“As we go into harvesting season it’s important to be aware of additional risks to those working in the agriculture sector that need to be properly managed,” Mr Anderson said.
“Farming and harvesting is physically demanding and can require operating heavy machinery, the use of quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles, as well as working with a range of hazardous chemicals,” he said.
“We have developed the Virtual Farm Safety Experience so that even during these times, people working in agriculture still have the tools and skills necessary to do their job with minimal risk.”
Mr Anderson said COVID-19 had cancelled many face-to-face agriculture events, but by using technology SafeWork could replicate a farm safety day, ensuring farmers could still have interactive conversations and training sessions with industry experts.”
SafeWork NSW said the interactive online learning experience took people “out on the farm” with industry experts who shared current work, health and safety topics in agriculture.
SafeWork NSW’s new tool, Virtual Farm Safety can be accessed at this PS News link.
