Executive+Summary+065

‘Machinery is a major component of both fatal and non-fatal injury in agriculture. Reducing farm machinery related injury has been accorded priority by Farmsafe Australia and is specifically addressed by the National Farm Machinery Safety Strategy.’ (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), 2008: iii). ‘Approximately one quarter of all farm workplace incidents are agricultural machinery related.’ (Fragar & Thomas, 2005 cited in RIRDC, 2008: 61). ‘Tractors account for the largest proportion of injuries (29%), followed by harvesting equipment (15%).’ (RIRDC, 2008: 20)

The focus of this project is to develop e-learning strategies for operators of harvesting equipment. The objectives will be to:

o Provide a training solution that contributes to reducing the incidence of death and injury to farmers and farm workers who use harvester machinery and, in turn, reduce the social and economic burden on rural communities and on the Australian agricultural industry

o Raise the level of safety knowledge in the agricultural machinery industry (harvesters)

o Provide learners with nationally recognised OH&S competencies whilst recognising prior competence o Increase the uptake of e-learning in the agricultural industry

o Contribute to the provision of a workforce skilled at operating harvester equipment with safety

The challenge will be to provide an OH&S training solution that reaches into remote locations; uses learners’ time efficiently; minimises time that machinery operators need to be away from farms; acknowledges the skills learners already possess and is accessible and easy to use. It is recognised that education and training is only one aspect of the overall action needed to address farm machinery safety issues. Other aspects include: designing solutions to machinery hazards; managing design issues in the agricultural industry; and safe risk management initiatives.

There are currently limited opportunities for harvester operators to undergo training. The training that is available is not cost effective when time away from the farm is taken into consideration.

This training solution will be piloted with a group of 10-12 harvester operators from NSW. The Grain Harvesters Association has agreed to provide learners for the training program. Learners current skills will be assessed and recognition given prior to undertaking training. The program will cover the features of harvester equipment, risks associated with harvester operations, OH&S, environmental impacts, personal protective equipment and safety equipment. Identification of tools that allow for the monitoring of student learning and skill development will be incorporated. Learners will be required to demonstrate practical competence on a harvester facilitated by a qualified instructor.

E-learning tools and processes to be investigated include the following:

o Social networking tools for team communication o E-learning options to create a training tool for OH&S best practice training for harvester operators o A tool for self-assessment purposes o A repository for project ideas, strategies and comments

When evaluating options for e-learning that best suit the individual needs of the target group, the selected strategy will take into account national embedding of e-learning across other states.

Future programs will target youth over 18 years of age and itinerant workers in the industry. Collaboration with trade associations to expand the program to other states will follow.