Planning for winter health and safety

The winter months are a peak time for accidents on New Zealand farms.

Injuries caused by slips/trips, hitting moving objects or being hit by a moving object, being hit or bitten by an animal and injury from lifting or carrying, all peak between June and September. Vehicle accidents on farms also climb steeply during August. Al McCone, Agriculture Lead for WorkSafe NZ, says seasonal conditions are clearly a factor in the increase in a number of farm workplace accidents over winter. “Muddy or slippery surfaces, driving in dark wet conditions, working closely with cows during calving, lifting winter feed – these are all among risk factors,” Al says. “However, you can mitigate these with good planning and good communication. Now is a good time to talk through the risks on your farm – including specific seasonal ones – with your team, to decide the best ways to manage those and keep communicating those messages. “You’ll be looking after your people and yourself and helping ensure productivity doesn’t take a hit from people being crook at critical times.”

Good points to discuss include:

• Places that shouldn’t be accessed at certain times or in particular circumstances, such as steep wet slopes or crossing rivers/using underpasses. • Vehicles and equipment should be well maintained, cleaned and checked regularly. Always take a few minutes to think about/ discuss the best vehicle and safest route for the job. Where a vehicle has a seatbelt fitted, use it, including on tractors. • To minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls, ensure everyone has suitable footwear with good tread, that are in good condition. Always use three points of contact on ladders or when mounting/dismounting tractors or a mobile plant. • Arrange work areas to minimise tripping/slipping hazards, clean up

spills as soon as possible, keep walkways clear of obstacles and use slip-resistant floor coverings such as rubber mats for slippery areas – for example, calving shed floors. • Provide training in correct lifting/ manual handling techniques and make clear that if something might be too heavy to lift safely alone, then always seek help. • Manage risks around zoonotic diseases. Leptospirosis can be contracted through contact with urine of infected animals.

Waterlogged paddocks and waterways are a particular risk.

Infection can enter through cuts and cracks in skin or through the eyes, nose or mouth. Ensure everyone has the correct personal protective equipment, including gloves. Provide access to adequate washing facilities, with running water, liquid soap and paper towels to thoroughly wash and dry hands and face. A bucket of water and bar of soap in the calving shed is not sufficient.

• Finally – and most importantly – fatigue is a significant contributory factor to accidents. Winter often means working late in dark, challenging conditions. Plan rosters to ensure adequate cover and ensure everyone takes sufficient breaks and is hydrated and well nourished. Many farms provide healthy meals and snacks during challenging times like calving.

| Winter conditions are risky but can be mitigated through good health and safety planning and communication.

Article supplied by WorkSafe