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What To Include For A Pastoral Farm Risk Assessment

Farm risk assessment ensures that workers avoid injuries and know how to handle livestock correctly.

Author: Safety Revolution
Date: Jun 17, 2013 - 4:02:04 AM

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Farming can be a hazardous occupation, and without the correct safety measures in place, injuries can occur. The most common types of accidents involve vehicles and machinery, falls from heights, lifting, handling and hazardous substances.

The Importance Of Farm Risk Assessment

Farm risk assessment is essential to maximise safety and minimise risks. An assessment will enable you to identify the areas of potential hazards and take practical steps to avoid accidents.

The farming workplace contains a number of confined spaces such as fuel storage tanks, grain silos and slurry pits, all of which can present dangers to staff. Farm risk assessment makes sure you avoid these risks and complete any work from outside the space whenever it is possible. It is important to fully assess risks and decide on what control measures are necessary before entering a confined space.

Any new buildings on a farm must undergo significant modifications in accordance with the regulations. A farm risks assessment checks for any fragile roofs and prevents people from walking across them and risking their safety. It is crucial that staging equipment or scaffolding meets correct specifications.

Careful management of hazardous chemicals is required. Workers may come in contact with detergents, disinfectants, pesticides, and fertilisers including ammonium nitrate and veterinary medicines. It can be hazardous to health, so ensuring safety when handling chemicals is crucial. Ensure you put lids on storage bins and enclose transfer points. Install dust extraction and operate fresh air blowers. Always wear protective clothing including respirators.

Farm Risk Assessment And Livestock Handling

Livestock handling is one of the important components of farm risk assessment. You have to handle livestock properly in order to prevent injuries to yourself and others.

Whenever the animals need to be kept still for treatments or other tasks they must be restrained securely. Anything you use to guide the animals when moving must not have sharp edges that could harm the animals.

Pigs must not be tethered unless they are undergoing an operation or treatment. Tethers must be inspected regularly and not cause any injury to the pigs.

It is recommended that cattle should be handled by those who are between the ages of 13 and 65. Every farm should have proper handling facilities which are well maintained and in good working order. You must also have at least two people present when you need to separate an animal from its herd. With a farm risk assessment, you can highlight potential dangers and ensure the safety of your staff.

For more information please visit www.safetyrevolutionltd.com

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