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

What are Good Industry Practices for safety board posting requirements other than JHSC, first aid contacts, safety program manual, common hazards and prevention (heat stress), claims process, and so on?

A safety board contains information that workers NEED TO KNOW.

Emergency Preparedness - evacuation plans and procedures, and related contacts are always a valuable posting.

Promote your safety program! Remind people that your goal is to make safety a part of the way you do business (not an ad on), and incorporates the safest way into the best way!

Keep your safety board tidy and easily accessible, located where workers congregate, like the lunch room.

Keep information fresh and current. It’s helpful to post and inform about current issues or trends.

For example, identifying that slips, trips and falls continue to be the leading cause of injuries and time loss work related mishaps. Emphasize what you are doing about it. Reminder to employees - clean up station, pick up and put away, ascending or descending  safely on structure, equipment steps and stairs.

Encourage use and support of your safety committee. Recognize and celebrate the JHSC work. Consider celebrating a safety committee member each week.

Personal reminders about workplace conduct and care:

• You care and recognize that the employees, team members and family are your most valuable asset and matter to you the employer.
• That you want your employees going home safe and secure at the end of each workday.
• The value of a respectful workplace where everyone is important, and that community care and communication, comments to and about others, are part of making this a great place to be.

Create and use workplace mottos - simple statements that capture and reflect who you are, want to be as an employer and in the world of safety. The culture you want to be known for, and grow at your workplace.

Example:

• You matter to us! We’re a team!
• When in doubt, don’t!
• Not sure? Ask!
• Is there a better, safer way? Let us know.  Ideas welcome!