Run from 16 – 22 July 2012, National Farm Safety Week aims to raise awareness of farm safety issues in across Australia.

“Our farmers are some of the best in the world due to their hard work and dedication. Working as hard as they do, their own well–being is not always made a priority,“ Minister Ludwig said.

“This year’s Farm Safety week has served as an important reminder to farmers across Australia that their own health and safety should not be something that falls by the wayside.

“Farm safety is an important issue, and it’s one that this Government will continue to work closely with industry and peak work safe bodies to address.“

The theme of this year’s National Farm Safety Week was “Farm Safety – Fix It for Everyone“.

Another focus throughout National Farm Safety Week was improved quad bike safety, which has become a particular priority for authorities due to the high number of related accidents and deaths.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, said the government is committed to raising awareness around quad bike safety and providing farmers with stronger support networks.

“Quad bikes are the leading cause of fatalities on Australian farms, with more than 150 Australians losing their lives in quad bike incidents since 2001,“ Minister Shorten said.

“I held a roundtable meeting on this issue earlier in the month where representatives agreed to establish the QuadWatch initiative, a community based network bringing together farmers, community groups, emergency services and local government.

“It was great to see such a wide range of community organisations work together to establish this initiative and I expect farmers will greatly benefit from the advice and support QuadWatch can offer.“

For more information on National Farm Safety Week visit Farmsafe. Information on QuadWatch is available at Safe Work Australia.