More help to keep seasonal workers safe on Victorian farms

Mar 25th 2022 | Stephen Kariahe

More help to keep seasonal workers safe on Victorian farms

More Help to Keep Seasonal Workers Safe on Victorian Farms

WorkSafe Victoria has launched a new initiative designed to help seasonal workers stay safe while working on Victorian farms. This support responds directly to the unique hazards faced by seasonal employees across the state's agriculture sector.

As part of the new initiative, Pacific Islander workers will receive specialised safety resources including videos, posters and written guides in five languages: Bislama, Fijian, Samoan, Tongan and English.

Why Language-Specific Resources Matter for Farm Safety

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the resources were developed to communicate directly to seasonal workers on farms.

"It is vital that all workers have access to health and safety information in a language they understand," Dr Beer said.

"Seasonal workers can face unique risks, not only if there is a language barrier, but also because they may be unfamiliar with Victorian workplaces, do not fully understand their health and safety rights and can be more reluctant to speak up if they feel unsafe or unsure about a task."

Supporting a Safer Agriculture Workforce

Community member Randall Prior said the project would help improve safety on Victorian farms, particularly for those navigating unfamiliar agriculture procedures and equipment for the first time.

"By using oral and visual communication and responding to the particular issues that face seasonal workers, these new resources will contribute significantly to a safer work environment for the workers," Mr Prior said.

Farm operators seeking to strengthen their broader safety procedures can pair these language resources with structured safe work method statements to address site-specific hazards, including machinery operation, chemical handling and emergency response procedures.

Addressing Hazards Across the Agriculture Sector

Agriculture remains one of the highest-risk industries for workplace injury, and seasonal staff often encounter hazards they've never seen before. Clear communication reduces confusion during emergency situations and helps workers follow correct procedures when operating unfamiliar farm equipment.

Employers who prioritise employee wellbeing through accessible resources build stronger trust with their workforce. This support extends beyond translated materials — it reflects a broader commitment to management practices that place worker safety at the centre of daily agriculture operations.

For businesses managing risk across multiple sites, reviewing documented procedures for tasks such as rigging, jigsaw operation or linisher use can further reduce hazards. SafetyCulture's rigging safe work procedure, jigsaw safe work method statement and linisher safe work method statement provide practical templates for consistent safety management on-site.

Understanding when formal documentation is required also supports better outcomes — see our guide on when a SWMS is needed for further clarity on compliance obligations.

More help to keep seasonal workers safe on Victorian farms