AgSafeBC has a generic checklist on our website for the basic items, as well as pre-shift log books to record daily inspections of equipment.

However, don’t forget to read the owner’s manual for the machine for more detail and exact requirements for that piece of equipment.

Make sure you keep the owner’s manual and ensure you understand the information in it.

Don’t forget, neglecting to check wheel torque or using the wrong oils can cost you a lot of money and grief… taking the time is worth it!

If in doubt, as your equipment dealer!

– Ken Lacroix, Vancouver Island Safety Consultant

Technically, you don’t… check-in intervals are determined by the risk associated with the task.

Employers need to identify the intervals and method of checking in for all tasks where workers are working alone or in isolation.

The time between check-ins is based on the identification of the hazards and risks associated with the activity. Risk is a fluid consideration, a task may start out as routine and low risk, but then conditions and circumstances change, increasing the risk. As the risk rises, the interval between checks must be modified.

– Reg Steward, Ranching &
Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Safety Consultant

Each piece of equipment comes with an owner’s manual. Make sure that each employee takes some time before operating the equipment to read through and understand the components of the manual and specifically the section on safety.

This will make them aware of safety issues that might be associated with the unit.

– Trevor Tapp, Central Interior Safety Consultant

Ladders are the leading cause of incidents in orchards.

Some simple steps you can take to reduce and prevent injuries are:

1. Ensure all crew leaders are comfortable demonstrating the correct use of the ladder.
2. Always start the season by demonstrating the correct use of the ladder.
3. Crew leaders should follow up with each individual worker to observe, reinforce and correct ladder practises. The leader should ensure they provide both positive and corrective direction.
4. A crew talk on the importance of only following accepted practises a short time into the season will be beneficial.
5. Owners, supervisors and crew leaders need to document ladder training and any corrective actions taken for their due diligence.

When all else fails taking the worker not following safe practises aside and doing a complete retraining will help encourage compliance moving forward.

– Carol Reid, Okanagan Safety Consultant

One of the biggest hazards with farm machinery and equipment is getting fingers, hands, hair, clothing, jewelry etc caught in or entangled in the moving part of the machine. Serious injuries such as cuts, crush, abrasion or even amputation can occur.  Always ensure that there are proper engineering controls in place such as, guarding, emergency stop buttons, etc. Workers must be properly trained and oriented on how to identify hazards, to NEVER make contact with the moving parts, how to operate safely, and to lock-out or de-energize when required.

– David Nguyen, Lower Mainland Safety Advisor