THE 15 MINUTE FARM SAFETY CHECK

More deaths and injuries occur on farms than in almost any other workplace.

The law says every farm must be a safe workplace. Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, all employers are required to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees or any other person at that employer's place of work.

In order to achieve this, the employer must develop and implement safe systems of work which include consultation with employees, training, supervision, instruction, information, and the risk management process.

What must be done to ensure safety on your farm.

OH&S Regulations made under the Act require all employers in consultation with their employees to identify any foreseeable hazards that may arise and that have the potential to harm the health and safety of employees or any person at the employer's place of work. The employer must ensure that hazards and risks are identified and that effective procedures are in place and implemented to assess and control those hazards and risks. Employers should be familiar with the OH&S regulations, Australian Standards, Industry Codes of Practice and Industry Guides associated with their industry/workplace.

How safe is your farm? See how you rate:

Step 1: Inspect the locations listed under the subject heading and answer the questions by answering either yes or no (keep a record).

A. Tractors and Equipment

* Is the tractor fitted with an approved ROPS?
* Are guards fitted to equipment where there is a risk of limbs, hair or clothing being caught (eg. PTO, auger, unguarded belts and pulleys)?
* Are children and adults prevented from riding on tractors/towed implements which do not have a seat/hand and foot holds?
* Do vehicles such as ATVs carry loads in accordance with manufacturer's recommended limits?
* Are operators of vehicles familiar with manufacturer's instructions?
* Is hearing protection worn when using noisy equipment?
* Is there regular inspection and maintenance of equipment, eg guards?
* When inflating tyres, are precautions taken to prevent injury from a tyre blowout?
* When moving equipment do you watch for power lines and maintain safe distances?
* Are the tractor brakes functioning correctly?
* Is the tractor only ever started from the operator's seat?

B. Silos and Field Bins

* Are augers and/or conveyors guarded to prevent limbs, hair or clothing from getting caught?
* Are silos and field bins regularly inspected for structural damage or wear?
* Do you secure hatches to prevent unauthorised access to the silo or field bin?
* Is fall protection provided and worn when: climbing ladders or working on top of the silo or bin?
* When moving equipment do you watch for power lines and maintain safety clearances?
* Are confined spaces procedures followed when entering silos or field bins?
* Are appropriate respirators worn when loading dusty grains?
* Are respirators kept clean in accordance with manufacturers instructions?
* Are silo ladders far enough above the ground so as to be out of reach of children?

C. Chemicals

* Is there a registor of hazardous substances used on the farm?
* Are material safety data sheets available on the farm for those using hazardous substances?
* Are the users of farm chemicals trained in the safe use of those chemicals?
* Are appropriate respirators, gloves, safety glasses and clothing provided when using chemicals?
* Is safety equipment regularly inspected and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer?
* Are chemicals stored in a secure location?
* Are all flammable liquids (Class 3) stored away from ignition sources?
* Are fire extinguishers located near chemical/fuel storage areas?
* Are chemical containers labeled correctly - eg not in soft-drink bottles?

D. General

* Are electrical leads, cables and equipment regularly inspected and maintained?
* Have you replaced/repaired any exposed electrical wires, damaged electrical switches, power points, conduits, or appliances likely to cause an electric shock/death?
* Is a safety switch or residual current device (RCD) or an earth leakage protection device used when using portable electrical equipment, eg tools, irrigation pumps?
* Prior to lifting anything, do you adopt correct manual handling procedures?
* Is hearing protection worn in areas where you need to raise your voice to talk to others?
* Are your firearms and ammunition stored in a safe place and out of reach of children?
* Do you adopt correct handling techniques when working with animals?
* Have you identified the hazards associated with dams and waterways?

Step 2: Use the rating system to rate the hazards that received a No.

1. How severely could it hurt someone or make them ill?

A) Kill or cause them permanent ill health or disability

B) Long terms illness or serious injury

C) Medical attention and days off work

D) First Aid needed

2) How likely is it to occur?

A) Could happen at any time

B) Could happen some time

C) Could happen but very rarely

D) Could happen but probably never will.

Step 3.

Now prioritise those hazards which require immediate attention. Once you have done this, you should list what control measures are required to control the hazard and once you have put this in place you can tick the hazard off.

Congratulations.

By completing the check list and putting in place necessary control measures, you have made your farm a safer place. You should now perform a broader check of your farm using the same principles of identifying the hazards, assessing the risks and putting in place control measures to control the risks.

For further advice or information on how to improve safety on your farm, contact the Rural Safety Hotline on 1800 300 377 or your local WorkCover (NSW) office.

For further information

Contact	:	Susan Sheather
Phone	:	+61 2 9264 1691
Email	:	organise@labor.org.au
WWW	:	http://ohsnet.labor.net.au/ohsnet/news

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