Remote & Isolated Work

Many farmers and their families in Australia live and work in remote, isolated locations, that’s just how it is!

What rural/pastoral people consider remote or isolated is quite different to what those in cities and large rural centres think. But ultimately, a farm is a workplace so you need to prepare for emergencies in relation to your distance from outside help.

The FACTS are:

• Farmers often work alone
• The distance from help or first aid should an incident occur is often quite substantial
• There are not always workmates around to assist and provide or call for medical help
• Mobile phone signal is not reliable in a significant portion of our Australian farming communities
• In addition to being places of work, farms are unique in that they are also homes, often with children

Communication is key

• UHF radio in machines, sheds and homes is still essential in many farming areas, particularly where I am on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, but if your mobile works, well…lucky you!
• Mobile phones are still valid for most areas as a communication tool and even if you cannot hold a call, a text message is often easy to get away as the signal floats in on the breeze

Note to husband: Please don’t stand on top of the header to get mobile signal!! 

• Talk about your plans for the day with your partner or workers within the business
• Make a note of expected return times for workers and get in touch if they are delayed
• Always know where your workers are and keep in contact with them throughout the day
• There are some really cost effective GPS locators on the market these days so consider attaching some to specific vehicles that travel remotely
• Have a bottle of water in every vehicle

Resources:

• Rural and Remote – Safework SA