Following our state’s significant rain events, you may not be thinking about summer and working in the heat. However for a safe and successful harvest season, we all know it’s best to plan ahead.
Working outdoors in the heat can bring unique risks and our bodies can be tested and become fatigued during harvest times.
Fatigue isn’t the same as being sleepy or drowsy. It’s about pushing our bodies beyond their mental and physical limits day after day, with no time to recover.
The first of its kind, the Hub provides agribusinesses with information about traceability practices (including webinars, videos, podcasts and practical tools). The Hub provides a central, online place to inform, educate and connect businesses along the supply chain.
Check it out NOW- http://www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/traceability
Secure Jobs, Better Pay: Changes to Australian workplace laws
The Australian Government has passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022. This legislation introduces new workplace laws and changes a range of existing rules. Some of these changes started on 7 December 2022, while others start later.
Key changes
The new laws and rules relate to:
Visit the FWO website for more information: Secure Jobs, Better Pay: Changes to Australian workplace laws.
New agriculture and horticulture program – ‘Smarter, Safer Farms’
Are you employing workers from the Pacific Islands, or do you know someone who is?
Seasonal workers can face unique risks on farms, so Victoria’s Pacific Island community has worked with us to create straightforward safety resources. The videos, posters, and guides can help with induction and training, and are available in five languages:
View the resources and share the link to help keep seasonal workers safe.
Tips from farmers: keeping a seasonal workforce safe
Jon Van Popering oversees all Australian operations at Seeka Australia, including nine orchards and two post-harvest facilities scattered through the Bunbartha area, just north of Shepparton.
Seeka employs a seasonal workforce from a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities. Jon approaches induction and training as if all staff are brand new, even if they’ve worked on other farms. This means everyone receives thorough and consistent information. You can watch a short Q & A Video with Jon here or you can visit the Worksafe Victoria website to read more about the Farmer story visit with Jon.
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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