Fix

Work through the following list to control farming risks.  In many instances, a combination of approaches will result in the best solution.

1. Eliminate the cause of the risk

The best option is to remove the risk completely, so you should always try to do this first (e.g. keep ground and floor areas clean and free of trip hazards).

2. Substitute or use engineering controls, or isolate the risk

If it is not practicable to remove the risk completely you need to –

  • replace the plant, substance or system with a safer alternative (e.g. replace a toxic chemical with the safest chemical that can do the job); or
  • use engineering controls (e.g. fitting augers and power-take off outlets on tractors with guards to prevent arms, legs, hair or clothing being caught); or
  • separate people from the source of the exposure (e.g. place plant, such as grinders behind a separating wall).

3. Use administrative controls

If there is still a risk, reduce it by changing the way the work is done (e.g. rotate staff to reduce the amount of time spent on a repetitious task).

4. Provide personal protective equipment

If other measures do not totally solve the problem, use personal protective equipment to reduce the risk further (e.g. provide hearing protection for operators of noisy machinery).

Environmental factors create financial hardships and pressures that can affect the health and wellbeing of farmers and their families.  People on farms need to be able to recognise symptoms and signs of depression or stress, and encourage them to get help.  A first point of contact can be the family doctor. There are also organisations such as beyondblue that provide information about what puts a person at risk, signs and symptoms, treatments, how to help yourself and others.

Relevant publications

 


 

Quicklinks

Related Links