July 12, 2016
South Burnett primary school children have been invited to take part in a calendar competition to remind farmers of the need for safety on rural properties.
The competition is being run by the Department Of Workplace Health and Safety for the second year in a row to promote farm safety awareness in homes, farms and businesses across the state.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the calendar was a fun way to tackle a serious problem.
“Educating kids is one of the best ways of educating adults because they’ll be better able to identify risks around the home and on agricultural properties,” Mr Pitt said.
“Additionally, the calendars can be displayed in homes as a reminder to Queenslanders of all ages to work and play safely on agricultural properties.”
Twelve winners will be published in the 2017 calendar, which will be distributed free to rural communities from November.
Winning students will get a $250 voucher and their school will receive $500.
Students can choose one of the following safety messages to illustrate:
Quad bikes
- Kids should never ride adult sized quad bikes
- Always wear a helmet when riding a quad bike
Water on farms
- Kids must be properly supervised when swimming in or going near dams and other water bodies
- Always ensure children can only access safe areas of the farm
Electrical safety
- Be aware of overhead powerlines when using machinery – look up and live
- Never do your own electrical work.
Riding horses
- Make sure you are trained to ride a horse before riding
- Always wear a helmet when riding a horse
Chemicals
- Children should not be near areas where hazardous chemicals are being used
- Always make sure chemicals are stored properly and securely locked away
Machinery
- Children should not climb onto or play near machinery
- Never go into sheds where machinery is stored by yourself, only with an adult
Students are asked to submit their coloured drawing about a farm safety message by downloading a drawing template from the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website and submitting their entry by Monday, August 8.
Children must have a parent or teacher’s consent to enter.
- For more information about the competition, call 1300-362-128 or visit worksafe.qld.gov.au
