Safety tips for harvesting

As South Australian farmers toil amid an early harvest with promising yields, SafeWork SA reminds all farm workers to put safety first.

The reminder comes during Safe Work Week, South Australia’s major work health and safety event focused on improving safe work practices across all industries and workplaces, including the agricultural sector.

Bryan Russell, executive director, SafeWork SA, said the message of work health and safety is particularly timely for people working on properties in regional areas.

“We know that farming is a high-risk occupation, and as the sector gears up for harvesting and shearing we remind everyone working at this busy time of year to ensure that they are working safely having managed known risks,” Russell said.

Farmers face unique challenges, including risks arising from heavy equipment and machinery and working alone, and the Australian agriculture industry accounts for a large number of work injuries and fatalities.

The most common injuries on farms involve falling from heights, being struck by equipment or falling objects, rollovers or crashes on quad bikes and tractors, and body stressing from excessive or awkward manual handling tasks.

“The best way to eliminate risks of potential injury is to think about safety before starting the task: develop a simple safety plan and stick to that plan,” Russell said.

“Safety tips include only using machinery for its intended use; tell co-workers or family members where you’ll be and when you expect to be back, particularly if you’re working alone; maintain your vehicles; and wear appropriate safety gear.”

Safety tips specific to harvesting include:

• ensure all plant and machinery is maintained with guards securely fixed in place, particularly brakes, hydraulics, steering, tyres;
• do not undertake repairs or maintenance when the machine is running;
• only use augers when all guards are in place with the belt and shaft drives covered;
• do not enter field bins or silos while grain is being emptied;
• be aware of power lines and the height of machinery - plan your route;
• take regular rest breaks;
• stay hydrated;
• induct new workers or contractors working on the property, tell them about known farm hazards;
• only allow trained and competent operators to use plant;
• keep children away from work sites and farm machinery, including quad bikes and motorcycles;
• make sure your workers understand the safety requirements, particularly if English is their second language.

Source