Primary Industries
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Safe fencing
Primary Industries workplaces are among the most dangerous in Australia. Each year approximately 6500 people are admitted to hospital with injuries and 150 die following accidents on farms. Fencing tasks account for eight percent of these injuries. If tractors and mechanised equipment such as chainsaws are being used the risk increases markedly.
To reduce the risk of injury, a risk assessment should be carried out before any task, including fencing, is undertaken. There are five main steps in a risk assessment:
- Identify the hazards involved with the task.
- Determine the risks associated with each hazard.
- Report potential hazards to the supervisor.
- Select, use and maintain appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Implement risk controls.
There is a variety of information available that can help to make fencing easier and safer. Sources of this information include:
- oral or written instructions, work plans and notes
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Safe Work Practices (SWPs)
- safety signs, labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- operator’s manuals and manufacturer’s specifications
- relevant legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice.
Each worker should know where these documents are kept in the workplace, take the time to read them and ask relevant questions.
The other vital piece of information is the workplace emergency plan. Emergencies can happen even when a risk assessment has been carried out and risk controls implemented. Every worker should be familiar with the emergency plan.
A first aid kit is essential as well as basic first aid knowledge. Suitable communication devices, such as two-way radios, should always be carried and be in good operating order. In any emergency it is important to stay calm and not do anything that could further endanger people at the site.
For more information about emergencies go to the Primary Industries competency RTC2704A Provide basic first aid
Fencing hazards that can lead to emergencies can be divided into four main groups:
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