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We’re always looking for great information for our clients and recently our WHS Manager, Ange Harders came across a great article from the Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) and wants to share the good oil.
In agriculture, we may not think COVID-19 is a big issue for us. After all we work outdoors in the fresh air and the cases currently seem to be in the big cities, although that may not always be the case.
The NSW Government is taking a proactive approach, and this article from AIHS has some great tips on what you can do in your agribusiness to plan for working safely throughout the pandemic.
Regional workplaces encouraged to improve COVID-19 safety
The following article is a news item provided for the benefit of members. Its content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Institute of Health & Safety.
Agricultural businesses and farms need to take a number of specific measures to manage the risk of COVID-19, according to the NSW Government.
These measures include:
- Avoiding close contact in vehicles and lowering windows for ventilation
- Checking that workers are not displaying COVID-19 symptoms
- Ensuring drivers assisting with loading stock minimise contact with surfaces
- Communication over phone or radio rather than in person where possible
- Contactless delivery through electronic paperwork rather than a signature on delivery.
The NSW Government recently launched a range of resources (link is external) to guide businesses as they manage the risk of COVID-19.
“Now that the COVID restrictions are easing it’s time to get NSW’s regional economy back up and running,” said Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the materials have been specifically created for noncustomer facing businesses, to ensure everyone across the state has access to industry-specific, practical guidance to prevent the spread of the virus.
“66,700 businesses have already downloaded the NSW Government’s COVID safety plans, and we’ve now created additional resources for regional businesses such as farms and agricultural businesses, hotels, offices, construction sites, and warehouses,” Minister Anderson said.
“Common misconceptions for agricultural workers are that you can’t ride in a car with others or that you can’t hire seasonal workers anymore.
“That’s simply not true so long as you have the right measures in place.”
As a result Safe Ag Systems, have created an Inspection Template in our program, based on the NSW Government COVID-19 Safety Plan, for our clients to use.
How to use the template
When you’ve logged in to the Desktop application, go to:
Forms and Templates > Inspection Builder > Copy from Template and search for COVID.
Once you’ve copied the template, you can complete it on desktop or the mobile app.
Creating a New Inspection Tutorial
Remember your COVID-19 Safety Plan should be reviewed and updated as restrictions and advice changes for your region, state or territory.
This can be easily done using the Inspection Builder.
Contact our team on 08 8490 0939 to find out more.
Topics: Safety Management System
Disclaimer: Content on this website may be of relevance to users outside of Australia, but content links and examples are specific to Australia. Please check with your local authority for your country and industry requirements.
Originally published 24 July, 2020.
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