Kids can have incredible life experiences on farms — yet they can be exposed to workplace hazards and risks. Unfortunately, these hazards and risks result in serious injuries each year.
Co-founder of George the Farmer, Simone Kain said the partnership was a natural fit.
"Growing up on a farm, I'm acutely aware of how dangerous a place they can be. I know many people who have sustained life-threatening injuries or who have died. I worry for my three young sons who think they're invincible on our farm," said Simone.
The latest research released by AgHealth Australia indicated that water bodies, quad bikes, side-by-side vehicles (SSVs), tractors, utes, cars, motorbikes, and horses combined account for 75% of fatalities on farm, while drowning accounted for 31% of deaths.
"Partnering with Farmsafe Australia provides an excellent opportunity to use our brand platform creatively and entertainingly to help reduce these frightening numbers," said Simone.
2006 children were admitted to hospitals with farm-related injuries between 2010-2015, with one-third of those children being visitors to farms. That's an average of eight children per week. And, many more children with farm-related injuries present at emergency departments. Other causes of injury on farms include cattle, electric and wire fencing, silos, noise, chemicals, and firearms.
Unfortunately, there are many ways that children can be injured on a farm. That's why it's so important that we make sure parents, teachers, and children are aware of the many risks and hazards.
To assist, the George the Farmer team have developed a new, innovative curriculum-aligned educators guide to be used in the classroom for F-4 year levels. In the Australian Curriculum, this learning resource has a variety of student activities for Foundation – Year 4 in Science, Technologies, English, and Health & PE.
In addition, cross-curriculum priorities of Sustainability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures are also covered.
The activities are suitable for teachers and students in early childhood and care settings such as long day care services, preschools, kindergartens, and outside school hour care services (OSHS).
Complimenting the new resource is the first George the Farmer animated music video, 'The Farm Safety Song' — a public service announcement with a twist. Catchy melody, humourous lyrics, and the introduction to a suite of loveable farm kids showcasing what not to do on farms.
"With lyrics including, 'Don't be a Silly Shazza and go and doughies in your Dad's old tractor,' I think it will soon become an earworm and will resonate with both young kids and their parents," said Co-founder and musician Ben Hood.
"I channeled memories of my farm days in writing the lyrics. It was a lot of fun," he continued. "We were fortunate that Farmsafe Australia gave us the freedom to be really creative in this project. We're thrilled with the result."
The song can be viewed on YouTube while the resource can be downloaded here.
This project is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment through funding from the Australian Government’s National Farm Safety Education Fund.
For more information and safety tips visit www.farmsafe.org.au