Quick and creative ways to keep farm safety top of mind

Farm safety can easily be forgotten when distracted or rushed, but there are ways to ensure it remains top of mind for both the producer and farm staff.

“Creating good habits and open communication is one of the easiest ways to address safety in a quick and effective way,” says Robin Anderson, director of programs and communications, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.

Mitigate the risk, not the safety rules

Farm safety often takes a backseat, getting pushed aside for a variety of reasons.

“Often, it seems like people get complacent,” Anderson says. “Taking shortcuts seems to save time until something happens - a near-miss, a small injury, or the unthinkable” like a serious injury or death.

Don’t let safety standards slip just because you feel there’s not enough time, money and effort available for a task.

“Sometimes, instead of addressing a hazard, it’s ignored,” Anderson says. “And instead of mitigating risk, risky choices are made. The outcomes can be incredibly devastating.”

Make it a habit

Integrated safety is essential. When it becomes a habit - a part of every task, every day and not an additional step - it helps reduce the risk of an incident happening, and it becomes second nature.

Taking shortcuts seems to save time until something happens.

It can start with a check before starting work: is everyone wearing the right gear? Does everyone have access to emergency supplies? Does everyone know what to do in case of an emergency? And does everyone follow the standard operating procedures for operating equipment or other tasks on the farm?

Do circle checks

Anderson recommends producers or farm workers always do a circle check before starting any vehicle or equipment. This requires physically walking around a vehicle or piece of equipment to conduct a visual inspection, checking for signs of risk, damage, or malfunction.

“Look for maintenance issues, objects, pets or people that might be affected by the operation of the equipment, and any safety defects,” Anderson says. “Always doing this before operating any machine creates a habit and helps address deficiencies before they become a hazard.”

Host tailgate and toolbox talks

She also stresses the benefits of keeping open lines of communication and normalizing safety discussions.

Hosting tailgate or toolbox talks incorporates creativity and new perspectives when addressing farm safety.

Tailgate talks are short 10 to 15-minute safety awareness sessions in which supervisors and other appropriate personnel address specific hazards and how to stay safe with agricultural workers.

Toolbox talks are brief, informal, typically two- to five-minute safety-related discussions. They can occur at the start of each day or before a specific task, aimed to remind ag workers about safe work methods and procedures.

“Get everyone involved, asking them to lead the talk - this helps keep conversations flowing about safety,” Anderson says.

On its website, CASA offers approximately 65 printable Toolbox Talk sheets covering a variety of farm safety topics. There is also a blank template to use to create your own topic.

Article by: Richard Kamchen

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