Agriculture is a unique industry. It is made up of a higher proportion of self-employed and older workers than any other industry. Agricultural workers often live on-site and work alone, operating machinery or lifting heavy loads. These facts make safety an important part of running a farm.
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries to work in because of hazards such as plant, noise, dust, sun exposure, working with animals, as well as the fact many in the industry work alone or in remote locations. Agriculture has many unique hazards that are not found in other workplaces, such as augers, tractors, quad bikes, chemicals like herbicides, and animals. Therefore, extra care must be taken when creating WHS policies and procedures.
The 20th to the 25th of July is National Farm Safety Week. The theme this year focuses on risk assessment and awareness, planning and mitigation. The week aims to raise awareness of workplace risk and safe work practices in the agricultural industry to minimise accidents and injuries.
Under WHS Regulations, farm owners and managers are obligated to ensure that workers and other people on the farm are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. ProcessWorx assists our farming clients by providing them with the support and resources to run a WHS compliant farm.
If you need assistance with health and safety policies and procedures for your farm contact ProcessWorx on (08) 9316 9896 or enquiries@processworx.com.au