The NHVR has announced it is joining its partners this week for National Farm Safety Week (20 – 26 July) to help highlight the importance of heavy vehicle safety across the agricultural sector.
The initiative from Farmsafe Australia is sharing an important message as part of its 2025 theme: ‘Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?’
NHVR COO Paul Salvati said the message should be front of mind for agricultural workers across the country.
“In farming, the pressures are similar to those experienced right across the heavy vehicle industry, like tight deadlines, long hours and driver fatigue, among others,” Salvati said.
“But second chances aren’t guaranteed, and every person working in or around a heavy vehicle, no matter on the road or at a cattle station, should have safety at the forefront of their duties.
“Getting too comfortable or rushing to meet deadlines and letting safety slip can mean hugely devastating outcomes, whether that’s severe injury or worst case, a fatality.”
Salvati said skipping crucial safety steps to get the job done quicker could see factors like fatigue and loss of concentration play a role in serious incidents.
“Farmsafe and AgriFutures Australia released data earlier this year showing that farm fatalities and injuries increased in 2024,” he said.
“Sadly, there were 72 lives lost and 133 serious injuries across the sector.
“These outcomes are entirely preventable, and the biggest impact comes from ensuring all of industry are making life saving habits a priority and never underestimating the dangers of heavy vehicles and associated machinery.
“The NHVR is committed to working alongside our partners to make agriculture a safer industry for everyone.”
In addition to promoting safety for operators, Mr Salvati said National Farm Safety Week also marked a timely occasion to remind light vehicle drivers to respect agricultural vehicles on the road.
“These heavy vehicles, like grain harvesters, may have limited visibility, speed or turning abilities,” he said.
“So, if you’re travelling around a farming vehicle, be patient and give the driver the space they need to complete their journey safely.”
Light vehicle drivers can find information about safer driving around trucks on the We All Need Space website.
The NHVR also offers Regulatory Advice for industry members operating in the agricultural sector.
For more information about National Farm Safety Week, visit the Farmsafe website.
