Farm safety (10 articles)
- Farm machinery and safety issues.
Machinery, particularly tractors, are a major cause of death and injury on farms. Common tractor accidents involve roll-overs, run overs and unguarded power take-off shafts. These types of accidents can be prevented.
- Farm safety - all terrain vehicles.
The all terrain vehicle (ATV), sometimes called 'ag bikes', are the number one cause of death on Victorian farms. The ATV isn't a stable vehicle, despite its three or four wheels -most accidents involve the bike rolling onto the rider.
- Farm safety - handling animals.
Farmers can easily be injured by their livestock. Animals are unpredictable, especially during the mating season. Cattle, pigs, horses and sheep should be treated with caution at all times.
- Farm safety - handling chemicals.
Common agricultural chemicals include pesticides, herbicides and strychnine. Exposure to chemicals can lead to a variety of immediate and long term health effects including headache, poisoning, burns and birth defects. Always follow the manufacturers' instructions on storage, transport, use and disposal of chemicals.
- Farm safety - sheep and shearing.
Badly designed shearing sheds and sheep handling areas present a range of hazards. Look for potential dangers and make changes to layout, equipment or work practices to ensure a safer working environment. Inexperienced workers are at greater risk of injury, so be sure to train them thoroughly.
- Farming is a dangerous job.
The most dangerous workplaces in Australia are farms. However, farm related accidents are preventable if proper safety procedures are used by all workers at all times. Organisations such as the Victorian WorkCover Authority can offer valuable advice on improving health and safety.
- Farms - manual handling and injury.
Farm workers can injure themselves while lifting animals, hay bales or other heavy loads. Get help to lift or carry a heavy load whenever possible, using another worker or appropriate mechanical aids. Good posture and safe working habits can prevent most back injuries.
- Farms - the danger of confined spaces.
Enclosed structures on farms such as water tanks or manure pits can suffocate a person with vapours or low oxygen levels. Without a suitable rescue plan and safety equipment, rescuers seeking to assist someone collapsed inside a confined space are usually overcome too. Proper safety procedures are vital.
- Farms and child safety.
Children who live on farms are at greater risk of injury and death than their parents or other farm workers. Devise ways to child-proof hazardous areas and teach your child about farm safety. Children imitate their parents, so lead by example and use safe work practices.
- Q fever .
Q fever is an infection with flu-like symptoms. It is transmitted from cattle, sheep and goats. It is a risk for people who work with these animals - for example, abattoir workers and meat inspectors. A vaccine is available to protect people who are at risk.
- Rural life - theme page.
Sunshine, fresh air, no noisy neighbours and no traffic jams. It's a great life in the country. But it can also be stressful and dangerous. Unpredictable weather, dangerous machinery, isolation can all take their toll. In fact, a farm is among the most dangerous workplaces. So learn about safety and where you can find support when you need it.
