WorkSafe is developing a series of case studies showcasing:
- real incidents where the people involved have suffered a serious injury or death
- examples of practical approaches which have been used by farmers in Western Australia to improve health and safety.
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Farm safety videos
Examples of practical approaches which have been used by farmers in Western Australia to improve health and safety.
- Chemicals
Most farmers handle, use, store and transport hazardous chemicals for a range of activities. The use of chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides and pesticides on farms may expose users and others to the risk of injury. These hazardous chemicals can cause both short- and long-term harm to health if used in an unsafe way. - Choosing the safest vehicle for the job
Quad bikes have become a popular vehicle on farms, but they are also the leading cause of fatalities on Australian farming properties. The majority of injuries result from sideways, backward and forward rollovers, trapping or crushing the driver underneath. Consider whether a quad bike is the most suitable vehicle for the task. A side-by-side, ute or tractor may be more suitable for some tasks. - Electrical hazards
Electrical hazards associated with all electrical power cords, fittings, machinery, tools and equipment need to be identified. Assess each hazard for the likelihood and severity of possible injury or harm, and develop safe work procedures to control them. Any suspect items should be immediately put out of use, tagged out and either isolated or kept in a safe place until repaired or discarded. - Guarding
One of the risks of working with agricultural plant is the chance of coming into contact with or getting trapped between moving parts or materials, or being hit by material thrown from the machine. You need to familiarise yourself with the correct safety procedures regarding guards for your workplace.