“Grains workplaces are highly technical and workers need to have the best possible training to be kept safe and to make sure the important harvest work can be done.”
Ms Symes said new workers would complete comprehensive online courses covering farm safety, new hygiene and distancing practices and a thorough induction of what to expect during harvest.
She said this included understanding the main aspects of grain harvesting such as the operation of harvesters and chaser bins, grain handling and grain transportation.
An important part of the training will lay out for farm managers and centres how to effectively induct employees and how to provide a safe work environment.
There will also be a section to support existing workers to get up to speed on best-practice farm safety.
The online training will be provided to Victorian businesses free of charge.
Grain Producers Australia chairman and Rupanyup farmer Andrew Weidemann welcomed the funding.
“We thank the Victorian government for this support for our online training program, which will give workers and employers the tools they need to create a safe, well-trained workforce for this harvest season and into the future,” he said.
The Agriculture Workforce Plan is also supporting other industry-led training programs including the Dairy Passport and Horticulture Farm Worker Induction Program.
In addition to targeted skills development, the plan is supporting businesses in key agriculture and food processing industries through adaptation grants, job matching, worker accommodation and relocation support and measures to help Victorian producers connect into new markets.
People can visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan for more information about the Agriculture Workforce Plan.
The entire October 28, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire October 28, 2020 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!