Hay typically isn’t the first thought that comes to mind when analysing farm hazards.

But it's one of the most significant.

National Hay Safe Day is a safety initiative by the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) to raise awareness about the dangers of working with hay. The day was founded by Suzanne Woods, an AFIA director, who created the day as an awareness campaign after a tragic on-farm accident.

We caught up with Suzanne Woods at AFIA's Fodder Festival to explain how the day was born and her commitment to the cause.

National Hay Safe Day is acknowledged on October 25th every year.

This year’s theme is “Safety around machinery during fodder production”.

In 2022, we tragically lost 55 farmers to on-farm accidents, with a significant number linked to farm machinery, including tractors and quad-bikes.

National Hay Safe Day coincides with the industry’s peak harvest season, providing a timely reminder for everyone to be prepared and make safety a priority.

Hay be careful there!

We often forget how reliant we are on machinery. From transporting with a tractor, lifting with a telehandler and checking paddocks with a quad bike. They’re used in every physical element of our industry.

But with frequent use, we also forget the risks.

Tractors and quad bikes have an uncertainty of tipping and rolling over on uneven surfaces. A sudden shift in weight or speed can also cause these machines to roll or tip over due to their unbalanced centre of gravity. Remember to operate the machine at a steady pace and don’t attempt driving on uneven surfaces. If you like to find out more about common causes of tractor injuries, visit our blog where we list the top 3!

Quite commonly seen in the fodder industry are telehandlers. These machines are perfect at picking up loads and transporting or stacking them in places tractors can’t reach. However, they are known to fall over if holding or transporting large quantities too high or unevenly. Overloading or extending the boom also increases the likelihood of overturning.

Tractors and telehandlers are notorious for running over bystanders. In most cases operators will reverse and unknowingly hit someone. Installing reversing alarms and cameras can help operators check their surroundings before moving.

Check out our FREE Telehandler In-Use signage for you to download and use around your farm.

Honey, don’t forget the kids

It's all too common to hear reports of hay accidents where farmers, workers or children get trapped or crushed under hay. Whether from rushing, unstable stacking or playing on bales, the force of one falling is enough to cause serious injury or fatality.

Children don’t know or recognise the risks when playing. Make it your responsibility to teach them and ban them from certain areas of the farm. It only takes one unstable bale to cause a falling domino effect.

Guard against complacency

Complacency and not paying enough attention are big reasons why these accidents happen. It occurs when we've done a task or activity so many times that we forget about the risks involved.

In these moments you need to stop and reevaluate your situation. Remember the risks involved and ensure you adhere to the proper techniques and safety regulations. It might save a life.

Below are some amazing resources to support Hay Safety on your farm! The team at AFIA have created some detailed Fodder Briefs to get you moving in the right direction:

Hay Stacking Guide

Hay Safe Information Guide

R U Hay Safe? Checklist

Get started with a Traffic Management Plan

Are you aware of the Top 10 Telehandler Hazards?

Find out why training your workers is an investment

More AFIA resources are available here