Farm Risk Starter Guide | Safe Ag Systems

STEP 1

Identify your risks and hazards

Start by making a list of key hazards and risks on your property and in your daily tasks. Think about frequently performed tasks or commonly accessed areas.

Think about what has gone wrong before, were there recurring issues or trends?

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SAS Video_Chris Adam James with Manitou - compressed

STEP 2

Meet with your team

Consultation is essential when introducing anything new (plus it is a legal requirement).

Brainstorm your list of hazards and risks. Your team may have different perspectives or even think of some you have never noticed.

By involving your team early, you build ownership and buy-in, making implementation smoother and far more effective.

STEP 3

Start with the essentials

These two documents are the foundation of all safety systems and can be found in the Template Library.

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STEP 4

Action your priorities

Choose the relevant key areas you identified.

Emergencies

Common Emergencies

Being prepared ensures everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Card - Fire

Card - medical-ambo

Card - Weather-2

Recommended Actions

Here’s what you should set up first:

Create your First Aid Policy

Map Locations and Add Key Hazards

Set up your Emergency Response Plan

Machinery

Machinery Risks

Communicate safety guidelines to protect your workplace.

Card - Fire-2

Card - Medical-2

Card - Medical-1-1

Recommended Actions

Here’s what you should set up first:

Operating Machinery and Equipment Policy

Machinery and Equipment Procedure

Add key machinery and equipment to inventory

Chemicals

Dangers of Chemicals

Have the correct controls in place to protect your workplace.

Card - poisoning

Card - skin

Card - respiratory

Recommended Actions

Here’s what you should set up first:

Chemicals and Managing Chemical Spill Policy

Chemical Mixing and Application Procedure

Add Chemicals to Inventory and link SDS

Fit for work

Workplace Hazards

Ensure everyone is physically and mentally ready for safe work.

Card - Weather-1

Card - Heat

Card - Hyperthomia

Card - Fatigue

Card - Work Alone

Card - Psychosocial Hazard

Recommended Actions

Here’s what you should set up first:
Fit for Work Policy
or

Psychosocial Safety Policy

Lone, Remote and Isolated Work Policy

Fatigue Management Policy

Livestock

Animal Handling

Manage animal risks and health hazards to keep everyone safe.

Card - kick and bites

Card - zoonotic

Card - allergic

Recommended Actions

Here’s what you should set up first:

Working with Livestock Procedure

Optional:
Relevant Policy, e.g. Working with Sheep Policy

Contractor

Protecting Contractors

Set clear expectations so contractors work safely on site.

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Card - insurnace

Card - compliance

Recommended Actions

Here’s what you should set up first:

General Contractor Induction

Contractor on Farm Policy

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STEP 5

Onboard the team

Add your employees
Assign the induction, policies and procedures to staff
Train your team in using the App