Be Safe During Seeding
With seeding now underway, Farmsafe WA reminds everyone to be safe
and supportive of each other and enjoy a happy and incident free
time.
Farm safety issues to consider during seeding include:
- The condition and serviceability of equipment and plant
(particularly tractors)
- Ensuring adequate lighting of sheds and workshops to allow work
to be done safely
- Non-slip surfaces to prevent falls
- Keeping control of fatigue due to the long hours likely to be
worked during seeding
- Ensuring satisfactory levels of competence, adeuate training
and safety inductions of all workers hired
- Ensuring that the presence of children is reduced and/or
strictly controlled as often, farms are homes and workplaces in
one
It is also vital to conduct a
general safety check of the farm including a check of hazards such
as rollover protection, steps and handrails, seatbelts, guarding of
exposed and moving parts including power take-offs. Also check
brakes, tyres, lighting etc. on a daily basis..
A work systems check is also important, including issues such as
'no passengers'; 'bystanders must be clear', safe work procedure in
case of boggy or similar treacherous terrain; appropriate risk
controls such as wide wheel tracks or traveling in low gear; and
functioning communications gear.
"It is so easy to get stressed during these busy times in the year,
said Farmsafe Chairman, Tony Hiscock. But we all know that working
when you are tired and stressed is a recipe for errors which can be
not only costly, but in the worst case, devastating."
Tony said that planning was essential in avoiding injuries, and a
risk assessment plan was a good start in achieving an overall farm
safety plan.
"We all need to get away from thinking that injuries are
"accidents" - some kind of act that is out of our power. Nine times
out of ten, they are avoidable and many programs are available to
enable farmers to avoid incidents on their properties," he
said.
One of the best programs currently on offer is the On-Farm Advisory
Service. Coordinated through Farmsafe WA Alliance, this service
offers agricultural enterprises a non-threatening forum to discuss
legal requirements for occupational health and safety with an
independent safety consultant.
The free on-farm service has so far helped many farmers in Western
Australia to better understand their rights and responsibilities
regarding occupational health and safety.
Click here to
download the full media release.