BASF Australia and AgLink Australia have joined forces to make farms a safer place for children this Farm Safety Week, with expressions of interest for the free 2024 Safety Champs program now open.
Last year, more than one in 10 on-farm injuries reported were children under the age of 15*. Safety education is vital to helping children identify potential risks and hazards, enhancing overall accident prevention, but it can sometimes be difficult to navigate these conversations.
The Safety Champs program supports parents and caregivers to engage the next generation in a fun and educational way by facilitating important discussions around farm safety with their little ones.
The program serves as a reminder that farms are busy and dangerous workplaces, where children can encounter hazards. In 2023, BASF and AgLink distributed over 1,000 packs to farming families across Australia. This year, BASF will resume this partnership by preparing hundreds of child-friendly safety-themed packs containing educational activities and protective gear.
Hobby farmer and agronomist Zack Zweck from Kadina, on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula participated in the 2023 Safety Champs program. He said that his children Archie, 7, and Indie, 5, loved receiving and completing the packs.
“The Safety Champs packs were a great way to initiate important conversations with our kids about safety at our farm. My wife and I often talk to our kids about on-farm dangers, in particular about tractors and trucks, but the Safety Champs packs were a really fun way to keep the kids engaged,” he said.
Zack Zweck and his son, Archie.
Parvana Wali, Head of Agricultural Solutions for BASF in Australia and New Zealand said the Safety Champs program is part of BASF’s commitment to uphold the safety of its people, customers, and their families.
“In farming, the health and safety of our people is paramount. We’re proud to partner with AgLink again this year to keep all our farming communities safe, including our youngest members. This year’s Safety Champs program will help drive awareness and understanding of what it means to keep the entire family safe on the farm, in 2024 and beyond,” she said.
Stevi Howdle, Executive Officer of Farmsafe Australia, said initiatives like the Safety Champs program fill a much needed gap in agricultural communities.
“Although farms are a fantastic place to grow up, they are high risk workplaces with several hazards from chemicals to heavy machinery. In 2023, one in 10 on-farm injuries involved children aged under 15 years old. That’s why it's vital we teach children about safe practices right from the start of their lives,” she said.
“Making safety fun for children through free programs like BASF's Safety Champs is a clever way to engage kids. It's great for children to connect the 'why' to the rules that they often get told. These activities are also great reminders for everyone involved in agriculture of the importance of modelling safe practices for children living on or visiting farms.”
To find out more about the Safety Champs program or to register to have a pack sent to your farm, visit https://crop-solutions.basf.com.au/safetychamps
*AgHealth Australia – Agrifutures Australia: Non-intentional farm-related incidents in Australia – January-December 2023