Farmsafe Australia has five strategies to support farmers and farm workers to increase safe decision-making capacity.
- Open communication with staff: Encourage open dialogue. Create a supportive atmosphere where workers feel comfortable discussing their challenges and seeking help without fear of judgment. Regular check-ins can help identify issues early and provide an opportunity for support.
- Provide access to resources: You don’t need to be the expert. Offer access to mental health and wellbeing resources, such as counselling services, helplines and wellness programs. Providing information and resources can empower workers to take proactive steps and it can be as simple as including them in your induction packs.
- Promote a healthy work-life balance: Ensure reasonable work hours and encourage regular breaks. Rotating tasks and allowing time off during less busy periods can help prevent burn-out and reduce stress.
- Create a supportive community: Foster a sense of community and mutual support among workers. Social events like after-work barbecues can strengthen relationships and provide a network of support during difficult times.
- Offer training and education: Educating workers about the signs of situational distress and the importance of taking care of their mental wellbeing can empower them to recognise and address problems early. Check out https://ifarmwell.com.au/ for a free online toolkit.