Safety

Sprayed chemicals can drift over neighbouring properties or water sources, and can affect human health, animals or the environment.

Any confined space on a farm can be dangerous and the threat may not be apparent until it's too late.

Hand and finger injuries are the most common crush injuries that occur on Victorian farms.

Falls are a common farm hazard, especially for older farmers.

Any animal-handling practices can increase the risk of injury to farmers, farm workers and the animal.

Poorly used or faulty machinery is a major cause of death and injury on farms.

Manual handling accidents and injuries are often caused by lifting heavy objects, including animals incorrectly.

Most injuries and deaths involving quad bikes (all-terrain vehicles) are caused by the bike rolling over the rider.

Farms can be dangerous places for workers and family members, but the risks can be reduced.

Children who live on farms are at greater risk of injury and death than their parents or other farm workers.

Handling sheep can cause strains, sprains and other injuries.

To reduce risks on the farm, use hazardous chemicals according to manufacturer guidelines or replace them with less dangerous options.

Some types of algae and cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) produce toxins that can harm people and animals when swallowed, inhaled or touched. Do not enter the water at locations affected

When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden.

When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease.

If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Houses, sheds and other buildings or structures burnt in a bushfire can leave potential health hazards.

Being prepared for a bushfire helps you cope better in an emergency.

You and your family should work out an emergency plan in case of flood.

In an emergency, it is recommended that all infants and their carers evacuate early or immediately when advised by emergency services.

Talking to children openly in a way that suits their age, while also involving them in decisions regarding bushfire preparation and response, will help them feel emotionally secure and confident.

Urban flash flooding can happen quickly and without warning. Keep up-to-date with the latest warnings through the VicEmergency website or download the app.

If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.

Some knowledge of basic first aid can mean the difference between life and death.

Training too hard or fast is a common cause of sports-related injuries.

Some types of algae and cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) produce toxins that can harm people and animals when swallowed, inhaled or touched. Do not enter the water at locations affected

Heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster. Find out how you can treat and prevent heat-related illness, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramp and heat rash.

Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk and how you can prepare yourself and others.

Learn what to do if you find yourself in a rip current.

The early responses to hypothermia will be moving around, seeking shelter, hair standing on end (goosebumps) and shivering.

Winter activities such as snow skiing or snowboarding pose a high risk of sunburn.

Choose a route that is appropriate for your age and fitness level. Warm up and cool down with a slow, gentle pace to ease in and out of your exercise session.

Drinking untreated water, such as creek water, bore water and sometimes even rainwater can lead to illnesses including gastroenteritis.

Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water.

Water is essential for the human body to function.

Travelling, eating and drinking go together but unfortunately, traveller's diarrhoea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride.

Some types of algae and cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) produce toxins that can harm people and animals when swallowed, inhaled or touched. Do not enter the water at locations affected

Home tattooing, or getting tattoos overseas, puts you at risk of serious complications that can be debilitating and life-long.

Don't advertise a party via SMS or the internet to limit the risk of gate-crashers and violent situations.

Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.

There is no such thing as a safe solarium tan.

If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.

Learn what to do if you find yourself in a rip current.

Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets.

Asbestos fibres breathed into the lungs can cause a range of health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn from an accredited organisation.

Learn how to safely store and dispose of household chemicals, and how to respond if a person is poisoned.

Always disconnect the power supply before trying to help a victim of electric shock.

If you service your gas heater regularly and use it correctly, it will be safe and economical to use.

When handled properly, greywater can be safely reused for the garden.

Groundwater quality varies across Victoria; in some areas, groundwater is not suitable for use.

Injuries associated with ladder falls have been steadily increasing in Australia. As you age you are more at risk of serious injuries from falls.

Injuries associated with ladder falls have been steadily increasing in Australia. As you age you are more at risk of serious injuries from falls.

Paul was sanding the exterior of his house when he overreached and fell more than two metres from his ladder.

When using a ladder, make safety matter.

Make sure your doctor knows about every medicine you take, including vitamins.

If you use pesticides to control pests around the house, make sure you use as little as possible.

Falls are a major cause of injury for older people. Find out how you can prevent falls around your home.

Check your swimming pool regularly to make sure the water is safe for swimming.

There are many ways to improve home safety for people whose vision is deteriorating

Make sure your private drinking water supply is safe.

Toddlers are most at risk of drowning because they are mobile and curious but don't understand the danger of water.

As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety and become safer road and bicycle users.

Taking care to restrain children correctly while travelling in a car is the best way to prevent injuries.

As they grow and develop, and with the help of adults, children become increasingly aware of how they can manage their own safety, and become safer road users.

Scooters can travel at fast speeds and falls and collisions are disturbingly common.

When asbestos fibres become airborne, people working with asbestos may inhale particles which remain in their lungs.

Low-level exposure to cadmium over a long period of time may cause health effects because cadmium can accumulate in the body.

Using a computer can contribute to problems of the muscles and joints, eye strain and overuse injuries of the arms, wrists and hands.

Wearing eye protection appropriate for the task can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

People who work with animals, particularly cattle, sheep and goats, or animal products are at a higher risk of Q fever.

A person working the night shift is at greater risk of various disorders and accidents.

People who work outdoors are in one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer.

In 2013, 196 people lost their lives due to work-related accidents in Australia. Find out more about your industry and which organisations help to prevent work-related deaths in your workplace.

Work-related stress causes an increase in sick days and absenteeism, a higher turnover of staff and a drop in productivity.

The spread of many pathogens in the workplace can be prevented with regular hand washing.