Agricultural safety and health checklist

The Agricultural checklist should be used in conjunction with the Agricultural workbook. The checklist is also available in a word format version.

How safe is your property?
The law
Make sure your property is safe
Getting started
Agricultural safety and health checklist

Agricultural mobile plant safety
Agricultural chemical safety
Electricity
Agricultural bike safety
Grain movement and storage
Machinery guarding safety
Noise safety
Manual handling
Fuel storage
Safety induction
Agricultural workshop safety
Emergency procedures and first aid
Employer provided accommodation
Other safety hazards

How safe is your property?

Use this easy-to-follow checklist to rate potential hazards and risks on your property and to help you control and prevent the risk of serious injury or disease.

The law

Occupational safety and health laws in Western Australia apply to all workplaces, including agricultural properties. Under these laws, self-employed people, employers and employees, or a person or people in control of a workplace, have responsibilities to make the workplace safe. Everyone - employer or self-employed person - has a legal responsibility called a ‘duty of care’ to provide a safe working environment. All employed workers - full time, part time, casual or contract - have the right to a safe and healthy working environment and to be protected from any hazard that may exist at the workplace.

Make sure your property is safe

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 requires all employers, in consultation with their employees, to identify any potential hazards that could harm the safety and health of any person in the workplace.

The employer must ensure that hazards and risks are identified and effective procedures are in place to assess and control those hazards and risks. Property owners should familiarise themselves with occupational health and safety laws, relevant Australian Standards, codes of practice and industry guides.

Two good sources of practical information are WorkSafe telephone: 1300 307 877 or and Farmsafe WA Alliance telephone: 9359 4118 or www.farmsafewa.org

This Agricultural safety and health checklist will help you to assess how safe your property is and provide you with a starting point to a complete approach for improving safety at your workplace.

Getting started

This checklist includes the most common hazards on agricultural properties. It is not an exhaustive list, but a good starting point. Use the checklist in conjunction with the Agricultural safety and health workbook to provide you with comprehensive details on each of the hazard areas. You can carry out the inspection all at once or over a period of time. No matter how you do the inspection, revisit it regularly to ensure you maintain a safe property.

Please read explanations for Steps 1, 2 and 3 before starting.

Step 1 – Inspect the location or item

Inspect the locations or items listed down the left-hand side, and answer the questions by answering 'Yes' or 'No'.

Step 1 - Example

Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. All tractors are fitted with a roll over protective structure (ROPS) and in the case of tractors fitted with a front end loader attachment, a fall on protective structure (FOPS).		No
2. A master guard is fitted to the tractor, the power take off (PTO) shaft is guarded and the power input coupling is fitted to all PTO equipment.		No

Step 2 – Rate the risk

Now use the rating table below to rate the hazards against which you answered 'No'. You can do this by asking yourself the questions in the rating table, then entering a rating between 1 and 6 in the checklist under the column headed 'Rating'. For example, an accident involving an unguarded PTO could kill or cause a permanent injury AND could happen at any time. Therefore, this hazard would receive a rating of 1.

Rating table

How severely could it hurt someone or make them ill?	How likely is it to occur?
How severely could it hurt someone or make them ill?	Could happen at any time	Could happen sometime	Could happen, but very rarely	Could happen, but probably never will
Kill or cause permanent ill health or disability	1	1	2	3
Long term illness or serious injury	1	2	3	4
Medical attention and days off work	2	3	4	5
First aid needed	3	4	5	6

Step 2 - Example

Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. All tractors are fitted with a roll over protective structure (ROPS) and in the case of tractors fitted with a front end loader attachment, a fall on protective structure (FOPS).		No	1
2. A master guard is fitted to the tractor, the power take off (PTO) shaft is guarded and the power input coupling is fitted to all PTO equipment.		No	1

Step 3 – Take action

Prioritise what needs to be done, then do it! You can do this by writing on the checklist the changes that are needed, then tackle those hazards with a rating of 1 first, and so on. When you have dealt with the hazard you can tick it off in the column headed 'Completed'

Step 3 - Example

Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. All tractors are fitted with a roll over protective structure (ROPS) and in the case of tractors fitted with a front end loader attachment, a fall on protective structure (FOPS).		No	1	Have ROPS fitted to tractor	Yes
2. A master guard is fitted to the tractor, the power take off (PTO) shaft is guarded and the power input coupling is fitted to all PTO equipment.		No	1	Replace broken PTO guard and repair broken PIC guard on the spray unit	Yes

The checklist on the following pages include the most common hazards on agricultural properties. Use it as a starting point to improve safety at your workplace.

Agriculture safety and health checklist

Agricultural mobile plant safety for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. All tractors are fitted with a roll over protective structure (ROPS) and in the case of tractors fitted with a front end loader attachment, a fall on protective structure (FOPS).
2. A master guard is fitted to the tractor, the power take off (PTO) shaft is guarded and the power input coupling guard is fitted to all PTO equipment.
3. Where seat belt mounting points are incorporated into the design of the mobile plant, seat belts are fitted and worn by the operators.
4. Log books / maintenance records of mobile plant are kept.
5. Operators have been assessed as competent to operate the plant. Forklift operators to hold a National License.
6. The movements of all vehicles are managed in a way that minimizes risks to operators and bystanders.
7. Slip, trip and fall hazards relating to tractors and mobile plant have been identified, assessed and controlled.
8. Jacking points for plant have been identified and adequate stands are used when working under raised plant.
9. A safe system is established for dealing with split rims.
10. Mobile plant is only ever started from the operators seat.

Agricultural chemical safety for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. A chemical register listing all the chemicals used on the property, together with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each of the chemicals held on the property.
2. Chemicals are stored in a well ventilated and lockable area that has a containment floor in case of spillage and is identified as a ‘chemical store’.
3. People using farm chemicals hold a current AusChem Training WA certificate or similar farm chemical training.
4. Where the DrumMuster and ChemCollect schemes are in existence in the local authority area, the programs are used to dispose of empty chemical containers and unwanted chemicals.
5. A risk assessment has been conducted for each chemical used.
6. All containers of chemicals are properly labeled.

Electricity for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. All electrical installations are regularly checked to minimise the risk of electric shock and fire.
2. A residual current device (RCD) is fitted to the electrical installation where hand held and portable electrical equipment is used.
3. Extension cords and electrical power tools are used in a safe manner, in good condition and have moulded or transparent plug ends.
4. Hazards of overhead and belowground power lines have been addressed.

Agricultural bike safety for further information on this topic click
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. A helmet and substantial footwear is a mandatory requirement when riding bikes.
2 Maximum speed limits been established for all areas of the property.
3. Bikes carry loads only as specified by the manufacturer.

Grain movement and storage for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No		Control measure required	Completed
1. Silos and field bins are regularly inspected for structural damage, rust and metal fatigue
2. Access ladders and hatches are secured to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Confined space entry procedures are followed when entering silos and field bins.
4. The input ends of all grain augers are guarded where used in an external situation.

Machinery guarding safety for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. Every dangerous part (except operational areas) of fixed, mobile and hand held powered plant is securely guarded such that it is safe for use.
2. The manufacturers safe use instructions (manuals) are available.
3. The highest level of guarding possible is being provided for operational use.

Noise safety for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. Hearing protection (ear muffs or ear plugs) are worn when carrying out noisy activities.

Manual handling for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. All workers have been instructed in correct lifting techniques.
2. Alternative ways of lifting and carrying have been implemented, eg mechanical hoist, trolley.

Fuel storage for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. Have the fall hazards from above ground fuel tanks been controlled.
2. The supporting structure is free of damage and corrosion.
3. All ladders comply with AS 1657.
4. Suitable and sufficient fire extinguishers are provided.

Safety induction for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. All workers, including casual and seasonal have completed an induction.
2. Workers are competent to carry out the tasks allocated to them.
3. Supervision is ongoing to ensure workers are completing tasks safely.
4. Workers understand the need to report hazards, near misses and injuries.

Agricultural workshop safety for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. Good house keeping standards are maintained to control slips, trips and falls.
2. Good ventilation is maintained.
3. All guards and safety shields are kept in place.
4. Safety glasses, gloves and ear muffs provided where people are at risk of injury.
5. Gas and electric welding hazards have been controlled.
6. Flash back arrestors have been fitted to all gas welding equipment.
7. Tools and equipment are safe to operate.
8. Adequate work space is provided for each job.
9. Portable ladders are used and stored in a safe manner.
10. Walkways and exits are kept clear.

Emergency procedures and first aid for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. Procedures are established to deal with emergencies eg accidents, medical emergencies, floods, fire etc.
2. Telephone / call sign details are displayed in prominent locations.
3. A fully stocked first aid kit is provided at a central location.
4. An adequate number of people have been trained in first aid.
5. Procedures are in place for remote and isolated work.

Employer provided accommodation for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 2
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. Is employee accommodation that is not covered by a tenancy agreement or lease like arrangement provided on the property?
2. If YES, have the safety and health matters been adequately addressed?

Other safety hazards for further information on this topic click here
Step 1			Step 2	Step 3
	Yes	No	Rating 1-6	Control measure required	Completed
1. Hazards of waterways and dams, including vehicle crossings have been addressed.
2. Hazards associated with electric fences, wire straining and gate opening/closing have been addressed.
3. Other hazards identified during the inspection have been addressed.

By completing this checklist and putting in place the necessary changes, you have made your property a safer place to work.

You can use the same principles to identify other hazards on your property, and make improvements to reduce the risk of injuries or deaths occurring.

Remember, this checklist is only part of a whole approach to rural safety. You should also undertake regular appropriate training. Farmsafe WA conduct farm safety courses. You can contact Farmsafe WA on 9359 4118 or email: farmsafe@wn.com.au. Peak farm organisations such as the WA Farmers’ Federation and Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association can also help you.

If you are online, excellent and easy to read information is available from WorkSafe’s website: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au or www.farmsafe.org

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