Safety Tips for the Winter

Life on the farm offers plenty of fulfilment, but it also comes with serious risks. From manoeuvring heavy equipment to managing unpredictable animals or dealing with chemicals, staying safe demands constant vigilance. Add to the mix wet and wild weather conditions, and farming can be a very hazardous job! Making safety a top priority and sticking to established safety procedures can dramatically lower the chances of injury. To help keep you safe while working in the field, here are some quick essential safety tips:

• Ensure all team members wear waterproof clothing and sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear while working outdoors.
• Establish and communicate clear protocols for operating in adverse weather, including defined thresholds for pausing work.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the situation, such as safety glasses, ear protection and cut-resistant gloves.
• Inspect all structures for stability and resilience against winter elements like strong winds and snow accumulation.
• Make sure everyone is familiar with emergency procedures in the event of severe weather.

Farming is a tough, high-risk profession so sticking to safety guidelines helps build a more secure work setting, keeping you and your crew out of harm’s way. Stay alert, prioritize protection, and always keep safety front and centre.

For a comprehensive overview of managing health and safety on-farm you can take a look at Keeping Safe on Farms from Worksafe https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/agriculture/keeping-safe-on-farms/managing-health-and-safety/#lf-doc-5549