Why do I need a safety management system?
Work health and safety laws require a PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking — the employer) to provide and maintain safe work systems. This includes providing a safe workplace, ensuring that machinery and equipment are in safe conditions, and substances are stored safely.
What is a safety management system?
A safety management system doesn't have to be a huge manual of documents. It can be as simple as a few basic documents (safety rules) that you put together that clearly spell out to your workers, contractors and visitors how you will manage safety on your farm; and most importantly, what you expect these people to do to stay safe.
How many documents do I need?
This will vary according to the size and complexities of your farm, but most farmers may only need a few documents. The main ones to get you started will be:
- a health and safety policy: spelling out your and your workers' rights and responsibilities
- an induction checklist: documenting your inductions so that you can be sure (and prove if required) that your workers are aware of what needs to be discussed about working safely on your farm
- a hazard checklist: encouraging your workers to report any hazards they identify, so you can record and take action to address them.
- basic safe work procedures for the riskier jobs that workers will do: for example, operating quad bikes, tractors and chainsaws. Talk with your workers and make sure they are trained and competent to do these jobs safely. Make sure you set a good example by following the rules and procedures yourself.
Involve your workers and ask for their thoughts and input right from the start. Good consultation is very important.
What do I need to tell contractors?
You need to tell all contractors who come onto your farm to do specific work about any hazards on your property and your safety rules. Make sure they hold the required insurances, are capable of doing the job safely, and that any machinery and equipment they bring on to your property is in a safe operating condition.
What about visitors?
Install warning signs at your main gate to alert visitors to hazards that exist on your farm. Provide contact details so that they can ask permission to enter your farm. Supervise them while they are there. You could induct them into your safety rules as well.
Good luck with your endeavours to make your farm as safe as you possibly can! Remember you can contact Safe Farming Tasmania at any time if you need any help or advice.
Need more help?
For more help on managing safety on your farm, contact Safe Farming Tasmania s Senior Health and Safety Advisor St Beams today:
- phone: 0400 140 146
- email: stuart.beams@safefarming.tas.gov.au