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Contrary to the name, quad bikes (also referred to as all-terrain vehicles) are not safe for use in all terrains - they are four-wheeled motorbikes. These vehicles are not stable and have been involved in many injuries and deaths. Always follow manufacturer's instructions for vehicle use, wear protective clothing when riding and ride in a responsible manner. Never allow children near quad bikes.

After a bushfire, structures such as houses, sheds and other buildings can be dangerous. Hazardous materials may include asbestos, toxic ash, medicines, chemicals (farm, garden or household), metal and dusts. Wear protective clothing and be safe when returning to your property.

The highest quality water available should be used for drinking. Rainwater tanks are often the safest source but there are contamination risks that can cause severe gastric illnesses. Drinking water may also be contaminated after a bushfire, flood or other extreme weather event. Analysts can assess your water to ensure it is safe to drink.

A crush injury occurs when the body or a body part is trapped, pinched or jammed under or between objects. The pressure can harm skin, muscles, nerves or bone, depending on the degree of force. On Victorian farms, the most commonly injured body parts are the hands and fingers.

There is a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and depression. Self-medication with alcohol is a common, but unsafe and ineffective coping strategy for farmers and other people living in rural and remote areas. Alcohol only masks the symptoms of depression and stress and can make you feel worse. Support services can assist country people to find other ways to tackle depression.

Being open, talking about worries and seeking support can help farmers cope with stress. Depression, anxiety, suicide and mental health issues are a serious problem in many Australian farming communities. Farmers typically pride themselves on self-sufficiency and independence, but it is important to recognise that your problems are not unique and you are not alone.

Falls are a leading cause of significant injury and death for farm workers. Common hazards include animals, motorbikes or quad bikes (all terrain vehicles or ATVs), working at heights in silos or on tractors, harvesters, cherry pickers or windmills, uneven surfaces and uncovered wells. Older farmers are most at risk. Simple safety measures can reduce the danger.

Losing the farm is a highly distressing and difficult experience for a family; it is like losing a loved one. Common grief reactions may include denial, panic and anger. It may take some time to establish a new way of life. Help is available for farmers and their families.

Water sources in bushfire-affected areas could become contaminated from bushfire ash, fire retardant, debris or dead animals. If the water looks, smells or tastes unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals.

Bushfire smoke can affect air quality. It contains fine particles and gases that can be breathed deep into the lungs and may be harmful to health. It is important to minimise your exposure. Ordinary face masks, handkerchiefs and bandannas do not offer adequate protection. Special masks are available at most hardware stores.

Stress is an ongoing issue for farmers, farming families and other people in rural areas such as small business people. Hardships such as financial strain, social isolation and long hours can lead to stress, relationship breakdown, farm accidents and, in some cases, suicide. Help is available from different sources if you are feeling stressed or unable to cope.

Farm families may benefit from a business plan to help get them through the hard times. Professionals such as financial advisors and rural counsellors can help to make sure that your business plan can achieve your business goals.

The effects of financial hardship on people living in rural communities can include depression, relationship breakdown, farming accidents and suicide. It's important to have a stress management plan to help you and your family get through the difficult times.

Confined spaces on farms are dangerous. Water tanks, silos, wells, vats. manure pits, tunnels and other confined spaces can suffocate a person with fumes or low oxygen levels. Farm workers, children and other people are at risk. People making a rescue attempt can also be in danger. Proper safety procedures are vital, including having a rescue plan and safety equipment.

Farming is a very physical occupation and workers can injure themselves by lifting heavy loads such as chemicals, fertiliser, hay bales, calves, buckets, equipment, and also while handling animals. Most agricultural manual handling injuries involve the back and weight-bearing joints and the risk of injury can be minimised by good lifting techniques and safe working habits. Use mechanical lifting aids or get help to lift and carry heavy loads whenever possible.

Machinery is responsible for many deaths and injuries each year on farms. Particular culprits include tractors and quad bikes. Common tractor accidents involve roll-overs, run-overs and unguarded power take-off shafts. All tractors must have roll-over protection and always use seatbelts. Don't let passengers, in particular children, ride on a tractor.

Children who live on farms are at greater risk of injury or death than adults. Common hazards include drowning in dams, tanks and creeks, injury from guns or chemicals, accidents with tractors, motorbikes, other machinery, falls and animals. Older children can be taught farm safety, but still need to be supervised at all times.

Farm safety hazards that can cause injury and illness include animals, chemicals, vehicles, machinery, electricity and other power supplies, dams, lakes, high places and the weather. Farm-related workplace accidents are preventable if proper safety procedures are used by all workers and family members at all times. Everyone working, visiting or living on a farm needs to understand the risks.

Many injuries to farmers and farm workers occur when handling livestock. Animals are unpredictable, especially during the mating season or when protecting their young. Cattle, dogs, pigs, horses and sheep should be treated with caution. Attempting to lift or push animals can cause injury and animals are capable of transmitting certain diseases. Children should always be supervised around farm animals

Q fever is an infection with flu-like symptoms. It is transmitted from cattle, sheep and goats. It is a risk for people who work with these animals, such as abattoir workers and meat inspectors. Symptoms include fever, headaches, chills and muscle pains. A vaccine is available to protect people who are at risk.