Farm Safety Checklist

Farm safety checklist

Health and safety overview checklist

Use these questions as a starting point for working out what you need to do to make your farm safer.

Question Yes No Do you have an induction process for employees, contractors and visitors? Do you have an occupational health and safety policy and do you have safe work procedures that are followed for all identified hazardous tasks? Do you have a documented risk management process that includes manual handling, chemicals, plant, confined spaces, working at height and electrical? Do you have a consultation/communication system with employees? Is there an emergency response plan for the farm? Do you have a documented process for hazard, accident and incident reporting? Are there adequate amenities for people in the workplace? (ie fresh drinking water, hand washing facilities, access to first aid) Do workers possess licences and/or certificates of competency for the plant they operate and tasks they undertake? (e.g. forklift licence, driver’s licence, chemical user’s certificate) Does all plant and equipment used in the workplace comply with regulations? (includes guarding, noise, design, maintenance and use) Do you have a process for managing work environment hazards including noise, dust, hot and cold conditions and sun exposure? Have you addressed child safety in the workplace? Are chemicals managed correctly – records, storage, personal protective equipment, usage, material safety data sheets, signage? Have you displayed adequate signage in the workplace? (e.g. visitor directions, traffic movement, specific hazards, use of personal protective equipment, general warnings) Does personal protective equipment meet legal requirements – quality, comfort, storage, maintenance, usage? Do you have a policy/procedure which enables people working in remote and isolated locations to communicate with the base and receive assistance in emergency situations?

If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, you will need to develop processes and/or documents that will help make your farm safer. Every farm is different and, even though there are similarities in work practices and risks, every farm needs its own risk control solutions to achieve the best safety outcomes.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland www.worksafe.qld.gov.au 1300 369 915

The material presented in this publication is distributed by the Queensland Government for information only and is subject to change without notice. The Queensland Government disclaims all responsibility and liability (including liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs incurred as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. © State of Queensland (Department of Justice and Attorney-General) 2013

PN11470 Version 1 Last updated March 2013 – Farm safety checklist Page 2 of 2