Farmers’ forum: Safety in agriculture

This free forum brings together sector and WorkSafe agricultural experts to discuss priority topics and provide ideas and practical approaches for establishing good safety practices. WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North will introduce a range of topics including:

Importance of safety in agriculture
Launch of WorkSafe agricultural safety animations
Electrical hazards
Unguarded machinery
Dangerous goods on farms
Psychosocial hazards in agriculture

Morning tea will be provided.

Presentations will be followed by a light lunch and opportunity to network.

Event program

Morning

Time (AWST)	Description
09:30	Andrew Ballam - MC's introduction
09:35	Sally North - Welcome address: Overview of WorkSafe’s priorities in agriculture and some of the things we have been working on following the independent Inquiry into the agricultural industry in WA.
09:45	David Sullivan - Unguarded machinery: This session will discuss common risks, real-life on-farm issues and practical steps to enhance machinery safety. It will be providing valuable insights into protecting workers and preventing injuries through increased awareness and simple, effective solutions.
10:05	Dragana Vukmirovic - Dangerous goods on farms: This presentation will highlight essential safety practices for transport, storing and handling of dangerous goods on farms. Attendees will learn how to recognise dangerous goods, implement effective security measures, and protect storage areas from potential hazards.
10:30	Rebecca Harris - Safety is always in season: Workers compensation insurance, effective return to work programs, and strong worker support are critical throughout agricultural industries. Discover how WorkCover WA is using data to protect every worker and every employer, every day.
11:05	Joseph Byrne - Electrical safety: Discussion on electrical safety on farming and rural properties, covering electrical hazards associated with electrical power cords, fittings, machinery, tools and equipment, and portable generators; equipment maintenance, inspection and storage; and overhead power lines and power poles.
11:25	Terence Chia - Psychosocial hazards in agriculture: This session will focus on the practical steps that workplaces in the agriculture industry can take to understand and manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
11:45	Jaime Rebelo - Launch of WorkSafe agricultural safety animations: Presenting a series of agricultural safety animations developed to provide quick, accessible information to farmers and others with an interest in health and safety in agriculture.
12:05	Jaime Rebelo - Closing remarks.
12:15	Forum concludes with a networking lunch.

Know the speakers

Master of ceremonies - Andrew Ballam - General Manager Regulatory Training and Business Services, WorkSafe, LGIRS

Andrew has been with WorkSafe for more than a decade and is currently responsible for a number of internally-focussed functions. He has led teams focused on external information and education, including the agency’s various websites and learning platforms, guidance publications and events.

Sally North - WorkSafe Commissioner, LGIRS

Sally is the WorkSafe Commissioner in WA. She greatly values the opportunity to make a difference to the community through WorkSafe’s education, inspections, investigations, legal and regulatory support teams and through collaboration with stakeholders.

David Sullivan - Projects and Membership Manager, SafeFarms WA

David Sullivan, Manager of Membership and Projects at SafeFarms WA, brings extensive global experience in agriculture and safety. Raised on a WA farm and educated in Agricultural Business Management, he has worked in live export, cattle station Europe.

Dragana Vukmirovic - Senior Dangerous Goods Officer, LGIRS

Dragana is a dangerous goods specialist known for making complex safety regulations make sense. With years of experience in hazardous materials management and rural safety, she’s helped farmers, transporters, and regulators navigate the practical realities of storing and handling dangerous goods.

Rebecca Harris - General Manager Regulatory Services, WorkCover WA

Rebecca is a proud career public servant with extensive experience working in policy, governance, compliance and regulation across a range of public sector agencies. she is responsible for steering WorkCover WA’s regulation, compliance and education activities.

Joseph Byrne - Inspector, WorkSafe, LGIRS

Joseph is an inspector in the WorkSafe construction team and a licenced electrician. He completed electrical training in the Pilbara and has spent more than 25 years on the tools as an electrician, electrical supervisor and leading hand throughout Australia and overseas.

Terence Chia - Senior Inspector Scientific Officer, WorkSafe, LGIRS

Terence Chia is specialising in the regulation of psychosocial hazards. He is a registered psychologist with a background in organisational psychology and holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour. Terence brings expertise in psychosocial risk management, team and organisational dynamics, and systemic approaches to workplace safety.

Jaime Rebelo - Director Industrial and Regional Industries, WorkSafe, LGIRS

Jaime oversees the enforcement efforts of WorkSafe across the construction, manufacturing, transportation and agricultural sectors in WA. He aims at making a difference through his role and seeks opportunities to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in driving cultural change in safe work practices.

Questions & answers

The Farmers’ forum will focus on issues specific to the agricultural industry and is aimed at farmers and others working in the sector, as well as anyone with an interest in how to make workplaces healthier and safer, whether as a health and safety professional or a hands-on worker.