The importance of mental health and safety on the farm

This National Farm Safety Week (14-20 July), Farmsafe Australia’s ‘In Safe Hands’ campaign recognises the importance of our farmers, farming families and the entire agricultural industry. ‍‍‍

Farming can be mentally and emotionally demanding, and the isolation of rural life can contribute to risks that are not as easily seen and assessed, the way physical risks might be.

The ‘In Safe Hands’ campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges, reduce the stigma associated with talking about these issues, and provide tangible support to help farmers and their families navigate stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. 

The campaign follows Victorian dryland broadacre farmer and well-known industry advocate, David (DJ) Jochinke, President of the National Farmers’ Federation, as he discusses the importance of prioritising more than just the physical health of his workers and his community.  

For DJ, safety isn’t just a conversation, it’s taking action to create a culture where workers go home in the same condition, if not better, than they arrived.

“Tragically we’ve had three deaths that have happened on farm just within our neighbouring district here and I guess it’s made us more acutely aware of not only how precious and how quickly things can happen but also what we should be doing to put into place about having those conversations and making sure that we are doing it as safely as possible,” says DJ.

“Being in safe hands means not only is it somewhere where you can feel like you can communicate anything that you need, but it also means that you know around you people are looking out for you all the time.”

He acknowledges that creating a safer environment to operate in includes creating a space that is respectful and allows for individuals to feel safe being themselves.

“A lot of the times when you’re reaching out and talking to someone, you’re not there to be the expert. You’re there just to crack it open and just get them to start talking. And when and if there’s extra support needed, there’s plenty of resources out there.

“It’s just about starting that conversation and asking them, ‘Are you OK?’. And not taking “she’ll be right” answers.

“Having a culture where everybody feels safe and supported means that if there’s an issue that you’ve got, you can have a conversation. It means that you can feel safe, that you can express yourself. And that’s really important because at the end of the day, we’re not just numbers, we’re people. And if we look after each other, we’ll get the best out of each other.”

This topic in the campaign also explores mental wellbeing and the impact that each of us can make just by checking in on each other and creating space for deeper conversations about how we are coping with the challenges that farmlife can bring. Farmers often put the needs of their land and livestock above their own needs, but their own wellbeing is equally vital. 

5 strategies to support farmers and farm workers to increase safe decision-making capacity

1. Open communication: Encourage open dialogue. Create a supportive atmosphere where workers feel comfortable discussing their challenges and seeking help without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins can help identify issues early and provide an opportunity for support.
2. Provide access to resources: You don’t need to be the expert. Offer access to mental health and wellbeing resources, such as counseling services, helplines, and wellness programs. Providing information and resources can empower workers to take proactive steps and it can be as simple as including them in your induction packs.
3. Promote a healthy work-life balance: Ensure reasonable work hours and encourage regular breaks. Rotating tasks and allowing time off during less busy periods can help prevent burnout and reduce stress.
4. Create a supportive community: Foster a sense of community and mutual support among workers. Social events like after-work BBQs, can strengthen relationships and provide a network of support during difficult times.
5. Offer training and education: Educating workers about the signs of situational distress and the importance of taking care of their mental wellbeing can empower them to recognise and address problems early. Check out ifarmwell: Growingfarmers’ wellbeing for a free online toolkit.

Disclaimer: These suggestions are intended as a guide only and are designed to provide information – it is not legal advice and does not take the place of proper individualised on farm workplace inductions, work, health and safety training, or any other tailored steps which may be necessary to protect the health and safety at specific worksites.

About Farmsafe Australia

Farmsafe Australia is an industry not-for-profit, farmer-led organisation and the leading Australian voice for farm safety, dedicated to promoting practical measures that prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of individuals on the farm. Farmsafe is committed to fostering a culture where the wellbeing of individuals is at the heart of every agricultural operation.

To find out more, visit www.farmsafe.org.au.