HEALTH & SAFETY
Burn injury peak reveals dairy link More than 500 people a year suffer burn injuries on farms severe enough to require ACC claims – and the highest number occur in November and December.
Al says good approaches include:
“On average, during most months of the year, 40 to 50 people will seek treatment and make ACC claims for burn injuries suffered in a farm workplace,” Al McCone, Agriculture Lead for WorkSafe NZ, says.
• Hot water taps should not be easily opened by getting caught in clothing or being leaned on. The best option is a tap that requires a two-step process to turn on.
• Place very hot water taps where children cannot easily reach them. If they are easily accessible for children, get them moved.
“Numbers drop during May and June, when cows are dried off, which suggests a lot of the burn injuries on farms may be associated with the dairy shed and use of very hot water. They start to rise again in July and August and peak around now, while dairy farms are at the height of milk production.” With the weather improving and more children and visitors out on farms, it is particularly important to ensure you have identified all risks and have a plan for how to manage them. Hot water should be included.
• Make sure pipes and hoses are extended deep into drums to reduce splashing. • Hoses on farm dairies tend to be high pressure, which heightens the risks with hot water, so consider having a high-volume but low-pressure hose. • Insulate exposed pipes to prevent burns. • Label hot water pipes and taps with safety signs saying, ‘very hot water’. Particular care should be taken before flushing out the dairy shed or pit.
“You should always check the area is clean before flushing hot water through,” Al says. “You should have a system – perhaps cones and signage – to alert others when you are going to be cleaning with hot water or chemicals. Children, especially young ones, may still not take notice of signs so you need to check in advance that they will be well supervised and well clear.” Outdoor fires also pose risks of burns, whether it’s a burnoff, bonfire or burn pile, or fire in a drum, incinerator or brazier. Burnoffs in particular need detailed planning. WorkSafe and the National Rural Fire Authority have information about these, including survival techniques. “If you are considering lighting any kind of outdoor fire, you should first check your local fire plan,” Al says. “Also, at www.fireandemergency.nz, you can find specific information for rural properties that highlights risks farmers may not have identified. For instance, fires can be started by mowers hitting stones or by exhausts when driving through or parking in stubble or long, dry grass. Sparks from welders, chainsaws and slashers can also cause fires. “You need to factor these potential hazards into your risk management plan and to take on board the fire and emergency advice to take appropriate precautions and carry suitable fire extinguishers, shovels or knapsack sprayers during periods of high fire danger,” Al says.
| ACC data suggests a lot of the burn injuries on farms may be associated with the dairy shed and use of very hot water.
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A guide to staying safe in and around farm dairies can be downloaded at worksafe.govt.nz
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