Save a life – listen to your wife

We work in one of the most dynamic industries in the world, but with farming comes a barrage of health and safety risks – something that Rural Safety Advocate Alex Thomas knows all too well.

Growing up on a sheep station in regional South Australia, Alex relished a childhood on the land. But a series of events that played out for her father, a pastoralist, impacted her family in unimaginable ways. He has suffered the effects of QFever, Ross River Virus, diabetes, heart failure and kidney failure. At the age of 56, he became permanently disabled and is fighting for his life to this day.

Alex has lovingly cared for her father since she was just 15 years old – and she knows that they aren’t the only ones that have been affected by farm safety. Coupled with her experience working in regional WH&S, Alex launched #PlantASeedForSafety – an inspiring initiative that makes safety awareness an everyday way of life rather than a box ticking exercise in compliance.

As Alex explains, rural safety goes beyond minimising the risk of injury or death – it means considering the physical health, mental health and personal wellbeing of everyone in our unique working environment. By sharing yarns that highlight rural safety risks and lessons, and putting women at the forefront of farm safety, Alex is determined to make sure farm workers come home to their families, safe and well each night.

This enlightening chat with Alex will leave you feeling empowered to make better choices for yourself and loved ones working in rural areas.

For more of the topics that matter to farmers, tune into the Ramsey Radio podcasts today.

Ramseybros.com.au/podcast

Originally published in the Ramsey Bros Partner magazine, May 2023. To view the online version, please click here.