David Sullivan, Manager of Membership and Projects
SafeFarms WA
Injury Matters recently #connected with David Sullivan of SafeFarms WA to learn more about the work and projects that SafeFarms WA do to support and encourage safety for the West Australian agricultural sector.
David is responsible for overseeing the growth and engagement of the SafeFarms WA membership base while managing various safety initiatives and projects by developing strategies to attract and retain members, and ensure they receive valuable benefits and support.
Beyond membership, David coordinates and executes projects aimed at enhancing farm safety, such as creating and updating safety resources, organising training sessions, and implementing new programs. Understanding the membership base, their unique needs and challenges, is key and he’s committed to evaluating the effectiveness of SafeFarms WA’s programs to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. Collaborating with other team members and stakeholders ensures that all projects align with SafeFarms WA’s mission and objectives.
What priorities are you currently working on?
We are currently focused on developing four new health and safety manuals, revamping our eLearning platform to enhance its relevance and user-friendliness, and upgrading our app to make it more impressive and functional.
How do you see safety on farms and the role of SafeFarms WA evolving over the next 5 years?
Safety on farms is increasingly becoming a critical focus as the agricultural sector evolves, with heightened awareness of the unique risks and challenges faced by farmers. Over the next five years, I anticipate that safety practices on farms will become more sophisticated and integrated, leveraging advancements in technology and data analytics.
SafeFarms WA will likely play a pivotal role in this transformation by championing innovative safety protocols, providing enhanced training programs, and facilitating real-time risk assessments. The organization’s focus on fostering a culture of safety through continuous education and support will be essential as farms adopt new machinery and techniques. Additionally, SafeFarms WA’s collaboration with industry stakeholders will help in developing tailored safety solutions and ensuring that best practices are effectively communicated and implemented across the farming community.
What is the biggest challenge you see facing the farming community in WA?
Climate: Among the challenges facing the agricultural community in Western Australia, the volatility of weather conditions provided a significant amount of stress on farmers and the rural communities. Major issues like the live export ban and fluctuating uncertainty has a more direct and pervasive effect on farming operations. Unpredictable weather patterns such as droughts, flooding, and extreme temperatures, which directly impact crop yields, soil health, and livestock well-being. These climatic stresses can compound the difficulties of managing supply chains and adapting to market fluctuations.
WorkSafe laws and regulations: Navigating the regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with WorkSafe laws and regulations for agriculture in Western Australia involves understanding and implementing safety standards outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, conducting regular risk assessments, maintaining detailed documentation, providing ongoing staff training, and staying updated with any regulatory changes while actively engaging with WorkSafe for guidance and inspections.
How can people engage and connect with the work being done by SafeFarms WA?
Engaging with SafeFarms WA and connecting with the work being done can be achieved through several proactive approaches.
- VISIT the SafeFarms WA website to access a wealth of resources, including safety guidelines, training materials, and upcoming events.
- PARTICIPATE in the workshops, seminars, and safety training programs offered by SafeFarms WA that provide hands-on learning opportunities and helps to stay updated on best practices.
- FOLLOW SafeFarms WA on social media platforms for real-time updates and community engagement.
- NETWORK with SafeFarms WA through industry events and forums provides valuable opportunities to connect with safety experts and peers in the agricultural sector
- ENGAGE with a more active role by volunteering or collaborating on safety initiatives and advocacy campaigns to deepen involvement further.
We hope you enjoyed this Sector Spotlight update. If you would like to be featured and share the great work going on in your sector for injury prevention, please email: [email protected]
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