The Victorian (Australia) Work Cover Authority (WCA) is not taking farmer safety for granted this time of year. VWA Executive Director Health and Safety, Len Neist, said the hay and grain harvest seasons are a busy time for farmers and it was important that vigilance with safety is maintained. “Harvest time traditionally means long working hours for farmers. It’s important to take regular breaks, protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated to help avoid becoming fatigued,” he said.
Neist said the intense workload meant farmers were habitually looking for ways to do things quicker by taking shortcuts, which meant they often overlooked their own health and well being. According to Neist, “A little planning at the start of each day can mean the difference to getting home safely at the end of it.It is important to let someone know where you’ll be working and when you’re due back, and have an emergency communications plan in place.”
Safety Tips Abound
Harvest safety tips include:
- Properly maintain plant, particularly brakes, hydraulics, steering, tire inflation and tread (poorly inflated tires contribute to tire rollover), and ensure machinery maintenance is up to date.
- Machinery must only be used for its intended purpose. For example, a front-end loader bucket is not the correct implement for lifting large, square or round hay bales or grabbing hay. Terrain can be a killer.
- Even relatively flat country can hide depressions that can cause vehicles to tip.
- Understand the limitations of the machinery and vehicles you’re using. Don’t overload them and use the right machine for the job.
- If something is blocked or broken, plan the clearance or repair job. Shut all machinery down, remove all sources of energy before attempting to clear any blockages, and reinstate all guards before resuming work.
- Be aware of where power lines are and height of machinery – follow No Go Zone rules (found at vwa.vic.gov.au).
- If working at height (e.g. on silos and field bins) ensure appropriate fall protection is in place.
- Prior to filling silos or field bins, make sure they are structurally sound and haven’t been affected by corrosion or rust.
- Review how heavy lifting work is to be done – for example, stacking bales. Ensure it’s done so muscle and bone injuries are prevented.
- Contractors must be inducted to the property and consulted about safety issues.
- Keep a phone or other means of communication on you so help can be called if necessary.
- Make sure machinery and vehicles are kept away from pedestrians and that they are operating at a safe speed.
- Children do not belong in areas where people and machines are working. Plan an area where they can safely observe what’s going on, but ensure there is a barrier between them and the work area.
- Consider your fire prevention needs for the harvest and as the season dries – consider fire risks and how will you respond.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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