Farm Safety

Farms are rarely close to medical services but early intervention and treatment is essential when there is an injury accident on a farm. Obtaining a first aid certificate is a prerequisite to providing a safe workplace. If a farm business does not have a trained first aider the PCBU (Person in Charge of the Business Undertaking) should know where the closest trained first aid person is or where the closest trained nurse resides.

The business should also have a full first aid kit, and that means that everything is up to date and if any items are used, they are replaced immediately. A comprehensive first aid kit should cater for a range of accidents from the removal of splinters to protecting and preparing a person for helicopter transportation to the hospital. The first aid kit should be readily accessed by all staff and not left in some obscure cupboard in a locked house while the boss is away. A separate cabinet in the main shed on the farm is an ideal place with the cabinet clearly marked with a large red or white cross. All staff must know the location of the kit. The kit must be kept in a clean environment to ensure the items will not transfer any bacteria to wounds, they are best in a sealed plastic container. It is also important to renew the items regularly, especially the liquids and ointments that should be in the kit. Our health & safety policies include the GPS co-ordinates for the property as a quick reference point for the helicopter if needed together with the various emergency numbers to have the power turned off if necessary, the poisons centre and the local regional councils emergency number. Quick access to all major providers can minimise the injury effect and ensure the environment is protected from serious pollution where spray or chemical laden vehicles have tipped over or others have made contact with the power supply.