Educating Kiwi farm kids about farm safety and sun-safe awareness is the goal of the 2024 Safety Champs Programme launched by BASF NZ
Offering a fun and engaging way to make farms safer for children aged 5 and 10, this year’s theme centres on sun safety, encouraging awareness of sun protection for children growing up on farms.
Originally launched in 2022, BASF’s Safety Champs programme now returns for its third year in New Zealand, aiming to support parents and caregivers in having important conversations about farm safety with their children in a fun, educational format.
Free Safety Champs packs are now available (while stocks last) and have been designed to support parents and caregivers in facilitating conversations with kids about the importance of sun protection. The safety pack comes in a reusable drawstring bag and includes:
- Printable safety-themed activities
- A farm safety pledge for families to complete together
- An official BASF Safety Champs certificate
“The majority of farms are not just busy workplaces, but family homes with the presence of kids just like urban homes,” says Parvana Wali, head of agricultural solutions for BASF in Australia and New Zealand.
“To build awareness of farm safety at an early age, BASF developed and supports the Safety Champs programme for our farming community. This year, we are focusing on sun protection. By educating children about the risks of sun exposure and the importance of sun safety, we aim to prevent the sun-related hazards to ensure these kids grow up in a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable farm environment,” she adds.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand, making up approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers annually. Increasing awareness of skin cancer is crucial for children growing up on farms, where they are often exposed to the sun for extended periods. Educating kids about sun safety not only protects their health but also instils habits that can prevent skin cancer. This ensures that the future generation of farmers work safely and healthily.
To find out more about the Safety Champs programme in New Zealand or to order a Champs pack for your child, visit crop solutions.basf.co.nz/safetychampsnz. Free packs are available while stocks last.