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The FARMERS CARE Level 1 Program is a free, simple, and practical tool focused on agricultural health and safety hazards. It has been designed to help you find realistic ways to prevent injuries and potentially even save a life on your farm or ranch.
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Did you
know?
In 2019, the number one injury in agriculture in Alberta causing lost time was falls.
Did you
know?
In 2019, the number one injury in agriculture in Alberta causing lost time was falls.
Falls
Risk zones: Bins & storage structures, roof edges, fragile roofs, haylofts, ladders, work platforms, scaffolds, tractors, tandem axle trucks, other equipment, any area with unguarded edges
Hazardous Acts:
- Not using fall protection
- Not using three points of contact
- Wearing slippery footwear
- Using damaged ladders or platforms
What Can Result: Broken bones, head injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, psychological trauma, death
Do:
- Install guard rails around elevated areas, focusing on the highest risk and most accessed areas first
- Inspect ladders, scaffolds, and work platforms prior to use
- Inspect fall protection equipment before use
- Use tool belts and/or hoist tools and equipment
- Maintain 3 points of contact when climbing ladders and equipment
- Follow the 4:1 rule (one foot back from the wall for every four feet of rise) when using ladders
- Ensure extension ladders are locked and extended at least three feet above the contact point/roof line; have someone hold the ladder or tie it to the structure as appropriate
- Wear non-slip footwear and ensure the soles are free of mud or snow
- Keep work areas and platforms free of tools, clutter, and cords
Ask yourself:
- How can I eliminate the need to work from a height?
- Can some or all the work be done at ground level?
- Am I trained in the use and care of fall protection equipment?
Falls
Risk zones: Bins & storage structures, roof edges, fragile roofs, haylofts, ladders, work platforms, scaffolds, tractors, tandem axle trucks, other equipment, any area with unguarded edges.
Hazardous Acts:
- Not using fall protection
- Not using three points of contact
- Wearing slippery footwear
- Using damaged ladders or platforms
What Can Result: Broken bones, head injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, psychological trauma, death.
Do:
- Install guard rails around elevated areas, focusing on the highest risk and most accessed areas first
- Inspect ladders, scaffolds, and work platforms prior to use
- Inspect fall protection equipment before use
- Use tool belts and/or hoist tools and equipment
- Maintain 3 points of contact when climbing ladders and equipment
- Follow the 4:1 rule (one foot back from the wall for every four feet of rise) when using ladders
- Ensure extension ladders are locked and extended at least three feet above the contact point/roof line; have someone hold the ladder or tie it to the structure as appropriate
- Wear non-slip footwear and ensure the soles are free of mud or snow
- Keep work areas and platforms free of tools, clutter, and cords
Ask yourself:
- How can I eliminate the need to work from a height?
- Can some or all the work be done at ground level?
- Am I trained in the use and care of fall protection equipment?
Air Quality
Risk zones: Bins, silos, storage buildings, pits, barns, digesters, root cellars, chemical storage areas, holding tanks, wells
Hazardous Conditions:
- Areas where mould is present
- Areas where dried feces are airborne
- Areas where decomposing plant matter or manure can produce dangerous gases
- Areas where mists, residue, etc. from hazardous chemicals are present
- Confined spaces where rusting metal or bacteria/fungi growth has used all of the available oxygen
- Areas where exhaust/incomplete combustion of fuels results in a build up of carbon monoxide
- Any area with exposure to welding gases
What Can Result: Asphyxiation, poisoning, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, viral & bacterial infections, brain damage, organ damage, cancer, nervous system damage, birth defects, fires or explosions, death
Do:
- Identify the type(s) of hazards present, such as: poisonous gases, chemical fumes or mists, dusts, moulds, viruses, bacteria, oxygen deficiency
- Use respiratory protective equipment as needed
- Use gas detection equipment and monitor the air
- Ensure workers wearing respiratory protective equipment are properly trained and fit tested for the mask(s) they will be using
- Work with at least one other person
- Follow your farm’s confined space code of practice and procedures
- When working with chemicals, read the safety data sheet (SDS) and review the recommended PPE and handling methods.
Ask yourself:
- Is there exhaust equipment or ventilation in place? Is it turned on and working well?
- Is entry or working in this space necessary?
- Am I using the right type of respiratory protective equipment?
- Am I trained and competent in the use and care of this equipment?
- If using respiratory protective equipment, am I clean shaven (for men)? Have I been fit tested in the last two years?
Air Quality
Risk zones: Bins, silos, storage buildings, pits, barns, digesters, root cellars, chemical storage areas, holding tanks, wells
Hazardous Conditions:
- Areas where mould is present
- Areas where dried feces are airborne
- Areas where decomposing plant matter or manure can produce dangerous gases
- Areas where mists, residue, etc. from hazardous chemicals are present
- Confined spaces where rusting metal or bacteria/fungi growth has used all of the available oxygen
- Areas where exhaust/incomplete combustion of fuels results in a build up of carbon monoxide
- Any area with exposure to welding gases
What Can Result: Asphyxiation, poisoning, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, viral & bacterial infections, brain damage, organ damage, cancer, nervous system damage, birth defects, fires or explosions, death
Do:
- Identify the type(s) of hazards present, such as: poisonous gases, chemical fumes or mists, dusts, moulds, viruses, bacteria, oxygen deficiency
- Use respiratory protective equipment as needed
- Use gas detection equipment and monitor the air
- Ensure workers wearing respiratory protective equipment are properly trained and fit tested for the mask(s) they will be using
- Work with at least one other person
- Follow your farm’s confined space code of practice and procedures
- When working with chemicals, read the safety data sheet (SDS) and review the recommended PPE and handling methods.
Ask yourself:
- Is there exhaust equipment or ventilation in place? Is it turned on and working well?
- Is entry or working in this space necessary?
- Am I using the right type of respiratory protective equipment?
- Am I trained and competent in the use and care of this equipment?
- If using respiratory protective equipment, am I clean shaven (for men)? Have I been fit tested in the last two years?
Roll Overs/Run Overs
Risk zones: Public & private roads, farmyards, fields
Hazard Acts:
- Driving too close to ditches or embankments
- Driving on terrain with unexpected mounds or dips
- Travelling with heavy loads on a front-end loader
- Pulling heavy loads that are hitched higher than the drawbar
- Overloading the drawbar
- Turning on a steep slope
- Driving too fast into curves and when turning or when pulling rear-mounted equipment
- Pulling a load that is not balanced or not properly secured
What Can Result: Broken bones, fractures, internal injuries, spinal injuries, compartment syndrome, lacerations, nerve injuries, psychological trauma, death
Do:
- Avoid driving too close to an incline, ditch, or embankment
- Slow down for curves, when turning and when pulling rear mounted equipment
- Keep the load as low as safely possible, if using a front-end loader
- Drive forward down steep slopes and back the equipment up steep slopes
- Install Roll Over Protection Structures (ROPS) on tractors, loaders, and similar equipment without one
- Always wear your seatbelt to prevent from being thrown under what you are operation in the event of a roll over (if there is a cab or ROPS in place)
- Install roll bars or crush protection devices (CPDs) on ATVs, where appropriate
- Consider an ATV with a wider wheel-base or one with dual wheels on your next purchase
Ask Yourself:
- What is the condition of the ground I will be driving on?
- Am I trained and competent to operate this equipment?
- Is the load too heavy or too high for the drawbar?
- Is the wheel/tread setting wide enough on the tractor?
- Is the vehicle or equipment that I am towing with suitable for what I am towing?
- Is the load I am towing balanced and properly secured?
Roll Overs/Run Overs
Risk zones: Public & private roads, farmyards, fields
Hazard Acts:
- Driving too close to ditches or embankments
- Driving on terrain with unexpected mounds or dips
- Travelling with heavy loads on a front-end loader
- Pulling heavy loads that are hitched higher than the drawbar
- Overloading the drawbar
- Turning on a steep slope
- Driving too fast into curves and when turning or when pulling rear-mounted equipment
- Pulling a load that is not balanced or not properly secured
What Can Result: Broken bones, fractures, internal injuries, spinal injuries, compartment syndrome, lacerations, nerve injuries, psychological trauma, death
Do:
- Avoid driving too close to an incline, ditch, or embankment
- Slow down for curves, when turning and when pulling rear mounted equipment
- Keep the load as low as safely possible, if using a front-end loader
- Drive forward down steep slopes and back the equipment up steep slopes
- Install Roll Over Protection Structures (ROPS) on tractors, loaders, and similar equipment without one
- Always wear your seatbelt to prevent from being thrown under what you are operation in the event of a roll over (if there is a cab or ROPS in place)
- Install roll bars or crush protection devices (CPDs) on ATVs, where appropriate
- Consider an ATV with a wider wheel-base or one with dual wheels on your next purchase
Ask Yourself:
- What is the condition of the ground I will be driving on?
- Am I trained and competent to operate this equipment?
- Is the load too heavy or too high for the drawbar?
- Is the wheel/tread setting wide enough on the tractor?
- Is the vehicle or equipment that I am towing with suitable for what I am towing?
- Is the load I am towing balanced and properly secured?
Machinery / Motor Vehicles
Risk Zones: Public roads, highways, private roads, farmyards, fields
Hazardous Acts:
- Operating equipment while fatigued
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Driving aggressively
- Travelling in poor weather and road conditions
- Tailgating
- Driving while there are animals on the road
What Can Result: Broken bones, head injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, lacerations, psychological trauma, death.
Do:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Follow speed limits, traffic laws, and drive defensively
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended operating speeds, especially when towing trailers and equipment
- Avoid talking on cell phones or other devices while driving
- Adjust speed to weather and road conditions
- Perform a walk around/visual inspection prior to operating to ensure the vehicle is in good condition and that there are no children or animals in harms way
- Reduce your speed and watch for ruts, sticks, branches, stumps, etc. when travelling off road
Ask yourself:
- Am I alert and capable of operating the vehicle safely?
- When was the last time my vehicle was inspected?
- Are my tires in good condition and properly inflated?
- Are my tires “aged out” or do they have less than 1.6mm of tread?
- If road conditions are poor, can travel be postponed?
- Are there any loose items in the cab or cargo area of the vehicle which could cause injury in the event of a sudden stop or collision?
- Am I travelling at a time of day when wildlife will likely to be out, such as dusk or dawn?
Machinery / Motor Vehicles
Risk Zones: Public roads, highways, private roads, farmyards, fields
Hazardous Acts:
- Operating equipment while fatigued
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Driving aggressively
- Travelling in poor weather and road conditions
- Tailgating
- Driving while there are animals on the road
What Can Result: Broken bones, head injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, lacerations, psychological trauma, death.
Do:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Follow speed limits, traffic laws, and drive defensively
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended operating speeds, especially when towing trailers and equipment
- Avoid talking on cell phones or other devices while driving
- Adjust speed to weather and road conditions
- Perform a walk around/visual inspection prior to operating to ensure the vehicle is in good condition and that there are no children or animals in harms way
- Reduce your speed and watch for ruts, sticks, branches, stumps, etc. when travelling off road
Ask yourself:
- Am I alert and capable of operating the vehicle safely?
- When was the last time my vehicle was inspected?
- Are my tires in good condition and properly inflated?
- Are my tires “aged out” or do they have less than 1.6mm of tread?
- If road conditions are poor, can travel be postponed?
- Are there any loose items in the cab or cargo area of the vehicle which could cause injury in the event of a sudden stop or collision?
- Am I travelling at a time of day when wildlife will likely to be out, such as dusk or dawn?
Energy Isolation
Risk zones: Farmyards, buildings/structures, shops, equipment, machinery
Energy types: Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, radiation, gravitational & mechanical energy
Hazardous Acts:
- Not de-energizing or locking out circuits or systems prior to performing repairs or maintenance
- Making adjustments or repairs to tools or machines without disengaging the power
- Not blocking all parts before working on or under them
- Not relieving pressure from hydraulic lines before starting work
- Leaving tractor forks/buckets raised after use
What Can Result: Electrocution, entrapment, amputation, crush injuries, death, burns, lacerations, broken bones, internal injuries, spinal injuries, compartment syndrome, nerve injuries, chemical injuries ranging from acute to chronic and mild to severe
Do:
- Inform all affected individuals of the equipment you are locking out and if it is for repair or maintenance reasons
- Confirm that all energy sources are isolated, locked and tagged out of service
- Verify there is zero energy in equipment and test for residual or stored energy
- Follow all Lock Out Tag Out procedures
- De-energize, lock out and tag out all energy sources yourself
- Block equipment/machinery against motion after it has been locked out and tagged out
- Relieve hydraulic and pneumatic pressure after equipment has been locked out and before performing maintenance
- Replace all guards before returning the equipment to service
Ask yourself:
- Am I authorized to perform this task?
- Am I trained in Lock Out Tag Out procedures and in the task that I am going to perform?
- Have I identified all the energy sources?
- If I restart the equipment now, am I certain all of the guards are securely in place and everyone is in a safe location?
Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Saves Lives
Lock Out Tag Out refers to practices and procedures that protect workers from the unexpected energization or start up of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during repair or maintenance. Lock out devices hold energy-isolation devices in a safe or “off” position and must only be removed by the person who applied them. Tag out devices are warning devices that an authorized employee fastens to energy-isolating devices to warn others not to re-energize the machine or equipment.
Energy Isolation
Risk zones: Farmyards, buildings/structures, shops, equipment, machinery
Energy types: Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, thermal, radiation, gravitational & mechanical energy
Hazardous Acts:
- Not de-energizing or locking out circuits or systems prior to performing repairs or maintenance
- Making adjustments or repairs to tools or machines without disengaging the power
- Not blocking all parts before working on or under them
- Not relieving pressure from hydraulic lines before starting work
- Leaving tractor forks/buckets raised after use
What Can Result: Electrocution, entrapment, amputation, crush injuries, death, burns, lacerations, broken bones, internal injuries, spinal injuries, compartment syndrome, nerve injuries, chemical injuries ranging from acute to chronic and mild to severe
Do:
- Inform all affected individuals of the equipment you are locking out and if it is for repair or maintenance reasons
- Confirm that all energy sources are isolated, locked and tagged out of service
- Verify there is zero energy in equipment and test for residual or stored energy
- Follow all Lock Out Tag Out procedures
- De-energize, lock out and tag out all energy sources yourself
- Block equipment/machinery against motion after it has been locked out and tagged out
- Relieve hydraulic and pneumatic pressure after equipment has been locked out and before performing maintenance
- Replace all guards before returning the equipment to service
Ask yourself:
- Am I authorized to perform this task?
- Am I trained in Lock Out Tag Out procedures and in the task that I am going to perform?
- Have I identified all the energy sources?
- If I restart the equipment now, am I certain all of the guards are securely in place and everyone is in a safe location?
Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Saves Lives
Lock Out Tag Out refers to practices and procedures that protect workers from the unexpected energization or start up of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during repair or maintenance. Lock out devices hold energy-isolation devices in a safe or “off” position and must only be removed by the person who applied them. Tag out devices are warning devices that an authorized employee fastens to energy-isolating devices to warn others not to re-energize the machine or equipment.
Remote Work / Working Alone
Risk Zones: Anytime/anywhere someone is working alone and without readily available assistance in case of an injury, illness or emergency, in fields or vehicles traveling alone, in isolated structures away from others
Hazardous Acts & Conditions:
- Vehicle, ATV or equipment incidents
- Medical events
- Animal attacks
- Vehicle fires
- Violent people
- Events requiring immediate assistance from other individuals or emergency services (Police/Fire/EMS)
What Can Result: Permanent damage to various body parts or systems, loss of limbs, death
Do:
- Have a means of reliable communication readily available
- Establish a communication plan and check in regularly
- Communicate any changes to work plans or locations
- Ensure there is a plan is in place and someone is designated to assist in case of an emergency or missed check- in
- Wait for assistance if the task is high risk
Ask yourself:
- Am I performing high-risk work?
- Can I wait until someone is able to accompany me/help me perform the task?
- What is my plan if something goes wrong?
- How long will it take for help to arrive?
- Do I have a first aid kit available if I need it?
CONTROLLING THE RISK OF WORKING ALONE
HIGH RISK: Working alone without a means of emergency communication or working alone emergency procedure
MEDIUM RISK: Working alone, but having a means of emergency communication and a working alone emergency procedure
LOW RISK: Working alone, but staying the same general areas as others and maintaining constant communication
GOLDEN HOUR: The first hour after a traumatic injury occurs. This is considered the most critical time period following an injury where if emergency treatment is received, it is more likely to lead to a successful outcome.
Remote Work / Working Alone
Risk Zones: Anytime/anywhere someone is working alone and without readily available assistance in case of an injury, illness or emergency, in fields or vehicles traveling alone, in isolated structures away from others
Hazardous Acts & Conditions:
- Vehicle, ATV or equipment incidents
- Medical events
- Animal attacks
- Vehicle fires
- Violent people
- Events requiring immediate assistance from other individuals or emergency services (Police/Fire/EMS)
What Can Result: Permanent damage to various body parts or systems, loss of limbs, death
Do:
- Have a means of reliable communication readily available
- Establish a communication plan and check in regularly
- Communicate any changes to work plans or locations
- Ensure there is a plan is in place and someone is designated to assist in case of an emergency or missed check- in
- Wait for assistance if the task is high risk
Ask yourself:
- Am I performing high-risk work?
- Can I wait until someone is able to accompany me/help me perform the task?
- What is my plan if something goes wrong?
- How long will it take for help to arrive?
- Do I have a first aid kit available if I need it?
CONTROLLING THE RISK OF WORKING ALONE
HIGH RISK: Working alone without a means of emergency communication or working alone emergency procedure
MEDIUM RISK: Working alone, but having a means of emergency communication and a working alone emergency procedure
LOW RISK: Working alone, but staying the same general areas as others and maintaining constant communication
GOLDEN HOUR: The first hour after a traumatic injury occurs. This is considered the most critical time period following an injury where if emergency treatment is received, it is more likely to lead to a successful outcome.
Secure Loads
Where: Public roads, highways, private roads, farmyards, fields
Hazardous Conditions:
- Unsecured loads
- Improperly secured load
- Unbalanced loads
- Damaged chains or straps
What Can Result: Lost load striking person or vehicle, shifting or falling load causing vehicle rollover, broken bones, internal injuries, spinal injuries, compartment syndrome, lacerations, nerve injuries, psychological trauma, death
Do:
- Use the right type and amount of securement equipment
- Only use tiedowns that are marked with the Working Load Limit
- Pre-inspect tiedowns for damage or defects and remove faulty straps
- Protect your straps with softeners or corner protectors
- Follow provincial legislations and regulations and county bylaws
- Perform periodic inspections during transit to inspect and adjust cargo or load securement devices as necessary
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained and competent in load securement?
- Do I know the laws, bylaws and regulations that apply to me while travelling on public roads?
- Is the working load limit of my equipment suitable for this load?
Secure Loads
Where: Public roads, highways, private roads, farmyards, fields
Hazardous Conditions:
- Unsecured loads
- Improperly secured load
- Unbalanced loads
- Damaged chains or straps
What Can Result: Lost load striking person or vehicle, shifting or falling load causing vehicle rollover, broken bones, internal injuries, spinal injuries, compartment syndrome, lacerations, nerve injuries, psychological trauma, death
Do:
- Use the right type and amount of securement equipment
- Only use tiedowns that are marked with the Working Load Limit
- Pre-inspect tiedowns for damage or defects and remove faulty straps
- Protect your straps with softeners or corner protectors
- Follow provincial legislations and regulations and county bylaws
- Perform periodic inspections during transit to inspect and adjust cargo or load securement devices as necessary
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained and competent in load securement?
- Do I know the laws, bylaws and regulations that apply to me while travelling on public roads?
- Is the working load limit of my equipment suitable for this load?
Did you
know?
AgSafe Alberta is a non-profit organization led by 26 crop and livestock producer groups.
Did you
know?
AgSafe Alberta is a non-profit organization led by 26 crop and livestock producer groups.
Chemical Exposure
Where: Chemical storage cabinets, shops, herbicide/pesticide/fungicide handling areas (i.e., field or ditch), fuel storage tanks, areas for cleaning and disinfecting animals, areas for sanitizing equipment
Hazardous Acts:
- Improperly prepping pesticides, herbicides & fungicide applications
- Cleaning equipment without personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Spilling of fuels or solvents
- Using chemicals in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area
- Improperly handling veterinary chemicals
Hazardous Conditions:
- Leaking containers
- Using chemicals without WHMIS 2015 and farm specific chemical safety training
- Improper storage, such as storing incompatible products together
- Incorrect handling or use of disinfectants
What Can Result: Chemical burns, eye and tissue irritation, heavy metal poisoning, acute or chronic respiratory diseases/illness, blindness, cancer, brain damage, disfigurement, nerve damage, psychological trauma, death
Do:
- Ensure everyone on your farm is trained in WHMIS 2015 and familiar with the products they will be handling
- Keep all products properly labeled
- Have current Safety Data Sheets readily accessible to all workers
- Store all products in a safe location using suitable containers and away from incompatible substances
- Always wear the correct type(s) of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Ask yourself:
- Where is the nearest spill containment tray or spill kit?
- Where is the nearest fire extinguisher and is it the correct type?
- Where is the nearest first aid kit and eyewash bottle?
- Am I trained and competent to work with this product?
Chemical Exposure
Where: Chemical storage cabinets, shops, herbicide/pesticide/fungicide handling areas (i.e., field or ditch), fuel storage tanks, areas for cleaning and disinfecting animals, areas for sanitizing equipment
Hazardous Acts:
- Improperly prepping pesticides, herbicides & fungicide applications
- Cleaning equipment without personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Spilling of fuels or solvents
- Using chemicals in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area
- Improperly handling veterinary chemicals
Hazardous Conditions:
- Leaking containers
- Using chemicals without WHMIS 2015 and farm specific chemical safety training
- Improper storage, such as storing incompatible products together
- Incorrect handling or use of disinfectants
What Can Result: Chemical burns, eye and tissue irritation, heavy metal poisoning, acute or chronic respiratory diseases/illness, blindness, cancer, brain damage, disfigurement, nerve damage, psychological trauma, death
Do:
- Ensure everyone on your farm is trained in WHMIS 2015 and familiar with the products they will be handling
- Keep all products properly labeled
- Have current Safety Data Sheets readily accessible to all workers
- Store all products in a safe location using suitable containers and away from incompatible substances
- Always wear the correct type(s) of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Ask yourself:
- Where is the nearest spill containment tray or spill kit?
- Where is the nearest fire extinguisher and is it the correct type?
- Where is the nearest first aid kit and eyewash bottle?
- Am I trained and competent to work with this product?
Animal Handling
Where: Barns, pens, pastures, animal handling areas
Hazardous Conditions:
- Staff members who are unfamiliar with the livestock type and behavior
- Getting too close to animals or not leaving yourself an exit route
- Handling areas with sharp edges or damaged gates
- Slippery or uneven terrain
- Working with animals alone
What Can Result: Exposure to zoonotic disease, infections from bites, fractured bones, blunt trauma injuries from being kicked or stepped on, pinned/crush injuries, death
Do:
- Check handling areas for sharp edges, slippery floors, poor lighting, or damaged gates prior to starting work
- Use sorting sticks, paddles and livestock boards to create distance between yourself and the animal(s)
- Approach animals slowly and calmly while keeping a safe distance
- Always have an escape route planned
- Avoid working alone with animals wherever possible
- Practice good hygiene during and after handling livestock
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained to recognize the behaviours of this specific livestock and what certain actions mean?
- Can I recognize signs of stress, fear, and aggression in the livestock?
- Are the people I am working with trained to handle this type of livestock?
Animal Safety Basics
Animal handling safety starts with knowing that animals typical behaviour. Slow and deliberate movements are generally best. Be mindful of avoiding blind spots and kick zones. Animal behaviour can be unpredictable, so it is important to stay alert. Use extra caution when handling animals that are injured, sick or are new mothers.
Animal Handling
Where: Barns, pens, pastures, animal handling areas
Hazardous Conditions:
- Staff members who are unfamiliar with the livestock type and behavior
- Getting too close to animals or not leaving yourself an exit route
- Handling areas with sharp edges or damaged gates
- Slippery or uneven terrain
- Working with animals alone
What Can Result: Exposure to zoonotic disease, infections from bites, fractured bones, blunt trauma injuries from being kicked or stepped on, pinned/crush injuries, death
Do:
- Check handling areas for sharp edges, slippery floors, poor lighting, or damaged gates prior to starting work
- Use sorting sticks, paddles and livestock boards to create distance between yourself and the animal(s)
- Approach animals slowly and calmly while keeping a safe distance
- Always have an escape route planned
- Avoid working alone with animals wherever possible
- Practice good hygiene during and after handling livestock
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained to recognize the behaviours of this specific livestock and what certain actions mean?
- Can I recognize signs of stress, fear, and aggression in the livestock?
- Are the people I am working with trained to handle this type of livestock?
Animal Safety Basics
Animal handling safety starts with knowing that animals typical behaviour. Slow and deliberate movements are generally best. Be mindful of avoiding blind spots and kick zones. Animal behaviour can be unpredictable, so it is important to stay alert. Use extra caution when handling animals that are injured, sick or are new mothers.
Restricted/Confined Space
Where: Bins, silos, pits, tanks, wells, sea cans, root cellars, cisterns
Hazardous Conditions:
- Areas with decomposing plant matter or manure producing dangerous gases
- Exposure to mists while spraying chemicals
- Confined spaces in which rusting metals use up the oxygen
- Areas where exhaust fumes can enter the space
- Spaces where welding gases are created or where hot work is performed
- Staff members working alone or working without a rescue plan
What Can Result: Medical event inside, asphyxiation, fires, explosions, brain damage, lung damage, heart damage, entrapment, entanglement, electric shock, hearing loss, drowning, falls
Do:
- Isolate all energy sources and test for zero energy
- Test and monitor the atmosphere
- Use a permit system
- Have a rescue plan in place
- Pre-inspect and wear all personal protection equipment (PPE), such as respiratory protective equipment and rescue harnesses
- Have someone outside the space who is trained and competent to take action in the event of an emergency
- Think of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 5, Confined Spaces as a best practice for confined space safety
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained and competent to enter this space and perform the task required?
- Does the person assisting me outside the space know what to do if something goes wrong?
- Does my farm have a confined space code of practice? If so, do I know it?
Restricted/Confined Space
Where: Bins, silos, pits, tanks, wells, sea cans, root cellars, cisterns
Hazardous Conditions:
- Areas with decomposing plant matter or manure producing dangerous gases
- Exposure to mists while spraying chemicals
- Confined spaces in which rusting metals use up the oxygen
- Areas where exhaust fumes can enter the space
- Spaces where welding gases are created or where hot work is performed
- Staff members working alone or working without a rescue plan
What Can Result: Medical event inside, asphyxiation, fires, explosions, brain damage, lung damage, heart damage, entrapment, entanglement, electric shock, hearing loss, drowning, falls
Do:
- Isolate all energy sources and test for zero energy
- Test and monitor the atmosphere
- Use a permit system
- Have a rescue plan in place
- Pre-inspect and wear all personal protection equipment (PPE), such as respiratory protective equipment and rescue harnesses
- Have someone outside the space who is trained and competent to take action in the event of an emergency
- Think of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part 5, Confined Spaces as a best practice for confined space safety
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained and competent to enter this space and perform the task required?
- Does the person assisting me outside the space know what to do if something goes wrong?
- Does my farm have a confined space code of practice? If so, do I know it?
Electrocution
Where/Source: Overhead powerlines, buried powerlines, damaged cords, farm buildings, automatic feeding systems, power outlets, machinery & equipment
Hazardous Acts:
- Digging without contacting Alberta One-Call first
- Performing repairs on live equipment or machines
- Not knowing or following Lock Out Tag Out procedures
- Not following safe limit of approach distances
- Using damaged cords or tools
What Can Result: Cardiac arrest, muscle damage, nerve damage, tissue damage, burns, falls, amputation, injuries following contact with electrical energy source, death
Do:
- Know the height of your equipment when working around powerlines
- Stay at minimum seven metres away from powerlines
- Contact your utility provider or Alberta One-Call before digging
- Follow Lock Out Tag Out procedures
- Install and check Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacles and check their function regularly
- Maintain three feet of clearance in front of all electrical panels
- Pre-inspect tools and cords before use
- Walk to the area in which the work will need to be performed as the ground can heave (i.e., frost heave) and overhead powerlines can sag.
- Contact your utility provider well in advance of work that is required to be done as they may need to measure the voltage of the line or assist with high load moves, such as grain bins
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained in Lock Out Tag Out?
- Am I using electrical tools that have proper grounding protection?
- Are the outlets, switches and light fixtures on my farm rated for the environment (outdoor, weather, dust, damp, corrosive)?
- Do I know what to do if contact is made with a powerline or if I come across a line that is down?
Electrocution
Where/Source: Overhead powerlines, buried powerlines, damaged cords, farm buildings, automatic feeding systems, power outlets, machinery & equipment
Hazardous Acts:
- Digging without contacting Alberta One-Call first
- Performing repairs on live equipment or machines
- Not knowing or following Lock Out Tag Out procedures
- Not following safe limit of approach distances
- Using damaged cords or tools
What Can Result: Cardiac arrest, muscle damage, nerve damage, tissue damage, burns, falls, amputation, injuries following contact with electrical energy source, death
Do:
- Know the height of your equipment when working around powerlines
- Stay at minimum seven metres away from powerlines
- Contact your utility provider or Alberta One-Call before digging
- Follow Lock Out Tag Out procedures
- Install and check Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacles and check their function regularly
- Maintain three feet of clearance in front of all electrical panels
- Pre-inspect tools and cords before use
- Walk to the area in which the work will need to be performed as the ground can heave (i.e., frost heave) and overhead powerlines can sag.
- Contact your utility provider well in advance of work that is required to be done as they may need to measure the voltage of the line or assist with high load moves, such as grain bins
Ask yourself:
- Am I trained in Lock Out Tag Out?
- Am I using electrical tools that have proper grounding protection?
- Are the outlets, switches and light fixtures on my farm rated for the environment (outdoor, weather, dust, damp, corrosive)?
- Do I know what to do if contact is made with a powerline or if I come across a line that is down?
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