BUSINESS NEWS
Improving safety across the nursery and garden industry By Keith Govias, Risk Advisory, Gallagher The nursery and garden industry plays a vital role in enhancing our surroundings, providing plants, trees and landscaping materials to create beautiful spaces and amenities across Australia. However, like all other industries, business operations carry inherent risks that must be addressed to ensure that the safety of workers, customers and the environment are maintained. Listed below are some key strategies from the Gallagher Workplace Risk team to improve safety across the nursery and garden industry. 1. Induction, training and competency One of the fundamental ways to ensure safety in the nursery and garden industry, is through a comprehensive induction, training and competency assessment program for all workers. A best practice approach should include:
» Safe work procedures – Every worker should understand the hazards that are present in their job tasks and the nominated business controls or safe work process to complete the task; for example, using manual handling equipment, or how to safely decant and handle chemicals.
have a schedule that allows for inspections prior to opening and again periodically during the day.
» Chemical storage – All chemicals must comply with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of chemical labelling and storage. Ensure that labels are clear, permanently fixed and have sufficient hazard information about the product and how to respond in an emergency. Also ensure that chemicals are appropriately stored in Dangerous or Flammable Goods cupboards where required or with the use of drip trays or bunding to protect against spills and corrosion. Also periodically check containers for leaks or damage.
» Emergency response – Employers need to train workers in proper incident reporting and emergency response procedures. This includes how to react to incidents, fires, chemical spills and weather conditions. A well-trained worker can also respond better to customer incidents, potentially saving both the customer experience and in some cases reducing or eliminating the risk of public liability claims.
» Communicable illness – Workers should understand the risk from plant-borne diseases and pests, how to identify these and the appropriate measure to both prevent spread, but also prevent becoming ill through exposure.
2. Regular safety inspections and audits Frequent workplace inspections and audits to confirm safe work procedures are being followed are essential to any good business to proactively identify and address potential workplace hazards. A robust inspection program should include:
» Machinery and equipment checks – Regularly inspect and maintain all machinery and equipment to ensure they are in a safe working condition. Where possible, keep a register that tracks the machinery or equipment, the recommended service schedule, who completed the work and when it is next due for servicing. Also consider using pre-start checks to engage workers to check machinery before use each day.
» Site safety – Conduct routine safety checks of the complete site, including walkways for egress and storage areas to identify and control any hazards such as uneven surfaces, slippery floors or inadequate lighting. Where possible try to 20
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3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Where required, ensure that workers are aware of mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements through training and signage in the workplace adjacent to the task or work area where PPE is required to be worn. Provide PPE for workers including:
» Gloves – to protect worker’s hands from plant thorns or branches, chemicals and sharp or rough objects
» Eye protection – Safety goggles or glasses can guard against flying debris, dust, chemicals and UV radiation
» Footwear – Sturdy, closed toed shoes with good traction should be a basic requirement. Consider steel capped footwear if in same work area as mobile plant (i.e. forklifts) or the potential for heavy items to fall on feet exits.
4. Hazard communication and signage Clear communication of nursery and garden hazards is crucial to protect both workers and customers:
» Signage – Use clear and standardised signage to warn of potential danger. Examples could be the use of warning signage such as: “SLIPPERY WHEN WET” or prohibition signage such as “NO UNAUTHORISED PERSONS BEYOND THIS POINT”. Safety signage is coded to help provide consistent messages. > Prohibition signs tell people what they cannot do. This is
a sign with a red circle and diagonal line through it.
