Farm injury figures are at their lowest in a decade, yet farming remains one of the most high-risk industries in the state.

While the number of claims fell from 467 in 2012 to 401 in 2013 - an improvement of more than 14 per cent - the VWA is urging farmers and farm workers to be vigilant when it comes to workplace safety.

In almost all cases, workplace injuries can be prevented by making safety a priority. It might be as simple as taking five minutes every day to reassess the tasks that need to be completed, or making sure you use the right equipment for the task at hand.

It might be ensuring all plant and machinery is switched off and disengaged before undertaking maintenance, or merely remaining vigilant when manoeuvring vehicles and machinery.

We want to remind every farmer that thinking about safety should be as natural as closing the farm gate.

The VWA will continue to work closely with farmers and farm workers to help them get home safely at the end of the day.

Len Neist,

Executive director of Health and Safety,

Victorian WorkCover Authority

Original publication - Letter to the Editor

See also - Farm injuries at a new low, but safety remains a priority

For further farm safety tips, visit Farmsafe Australia.