The first step in risk management is to identify workplace hazards. This means identifying hazards that have the potential to cause harm. Harm may be short or long term and can adversely affect the health and safety of workers, property, the environment and community relationships.
You can identify hazards through:
- routine hazard and housekeeping inspections
- information provided by manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and substances
- incident and accident investigations
- accessing WorkSafe news alerts, safety bulletins and annual incident data reports
- introducing new equipment or processes or changes to existing systems
- reviewing existing plans and procedures.
Once hazards are identified, it is important to document them appropriately so that controls can be managed effectively over time.
Use the Farm safety: Checklist to assess your farm for workplace risks and hazards. The checklist has been developed to provide information and guidance to employers, self-employed persons, persons who manage or control workplaces and workers on farms.
Below are links to guidance materials for specific hazards to help you manage additional farm‑related risks.