Don't leave safety behind at harvest

As the busy harvest season draws closer, farmers and grain growers are being urged to make safety the most important part of their planning, said WorkSafe Health and Safety General Manager, Victoria, Lisa Sturzenegger.

“As the warmer months are fast approaching, the hay season is about to get underway and farmers are getting busier and preparing for the season ahead,” Sturzenegger said.

“But we know from past experience that it only takes a moment for a rushed decision to turn into a tragic one.”

Sturzenegger said three recent tragic farm deaths since June were a sad reminder that farming was a high-risk occupation.

“We want everyone to put safety at the front of their mind, reassess their systems of work and, if there’s a safety risk, make changes,” Sturzenegger said.

“Only use the machine for what it’s intended for, tell your loved ones where you’ll be if you’re working alone, carry a phone, ensure vehicles are properly maintained and wear appropriate safety gear for the task at hand.”

Sturzenegger said the message to all Victorians was a simple one, “Don’t take shortcuts with safety.”

Sturzenegger said nine of the 18 workplace fatalities this year had occurred in regional Victoria and urged every worker to make safety a priority.

“Don’t be the next workplace fatality. Identify and control the risk before it’s too late.”

This week (21-31 October) is Work Safe Week and there are more than 100 seminars across 13 different locations around the state to keep Victorians safe at work.

To register, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/worksafeweek.

Safety tips

WorkSafe Victoria’s safety tips for surviving the harvest season include:

• Ensure plant is maintained and guards in place, particularly brakes, hydraulics, steering, (poorly inflated tyres can contribute to rollover).
• 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 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 powerlines are and height of machinery - plan your route.
• Induct contractors who will work on the property and consult them about farm hazards (access/egress and no-go zones).
• Only allow trained and competent operators to use plant.
• Let someone know where you’ll be working and when you’re due back, and have an emergency communications plan.
• Keep a phone or other means of communication on you so help can be called if necessary.
• Keep children away from work sites and machinery in operation - particularly during loading and unloading operations.
• Harvesting often requires long hours including early starts and/or late finishes so be aware of fatigue, take regular rest breaks, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and eat nourishing food.