The Farm Health & Safety

CHECKLIST

This Farm Health and Safety Checklist has been prepared by the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture with financial assistance from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Program (CASP) and the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods.

The project was initiated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Farm Safety Committee, comprised of government and industry representatives, and working under the auspices of CASP. In February, responsibility for carrying out the project was transferred from the Committee to the Federation which willingly accepted this task, recognizing that farmers may prefer to participate in a project dealing with such sensitive issues as farm safety if it was conducted by the industry itself. As such, the Federation assures complete anonymity and confidentiality for any participating farmer.

Government agencies, especially the Food and Agriculture Branch of the Department of Fisheries, Food and Agriculture, fully support our farm health and safety initiative. Their interest has been further demonstrated through cooperation to ensure that a Farm Safety Seminar be held in conjunction with the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the Federation in mid-March. The Federation appreciates the Department's continuing interest in farm safety issues.

The cooperation and assistance of the Canadian Coalition for Agricultural Safety and Rural Health, through the Canadian Agricultural Safety Program, must also be recognized. It is hoped that the Newfoundland Farm Health and Safety Project will continue to be conducted in harmony with the Coalition's efforts nationally.

This Checklist is based on work performed in other provinces. In particular, the Nova Scotia Farm Health and Safety Committee distributed a lengthy questionnaire on farm safety issues which yielded a high response rate from producers. As a result, critical farm health and safety issues have been identified in that province and strides are now being made to promote safety awareness throughout the sector. The Newfoundland & Labrador Farm Health and Safety Checklist is based on the Nova Scotia model.

The Importance of Farm Safety

Farming is a demanding business which exposes farmers, farm workers and farm families to a wide range of safety hazards on a daily basis. It involves, for example, the extensive use of:

heavy machinery and moving equipment which can cause serious personal injury or death;

agricultural chemicals which are toxic to both humans and animals;

a wide variety of tools, implements and equipment that can fall on farm workers, slip during use and take off a limb if used improperly or without adequate protective measures;

electrical, fuel-driven and propane-driven machinery and tools that can cause injury and property damage;

bulk commodities and supplies which can fall on workers or into which workers can fall; and,

scaling equipment such as ladders, scaffolding and overhead walkways which can become worn or slippery.

hearing loss from noisy machinery and tools;

back problems from lifting heavy loads;

breathing difficulties from inhaling respiratory irritants; and,

cuts and abrasions from sharp objects left in lumber piles.

This is just a brief illustration of the potential dangers to which farmers and farm workers are routinely exposed. Fortunately, we do not hear of very many serious injuries on Newfoundland and Labrador farms, even though this province is supposed to have the highest rate of accidents per farm in the country. Regardless, the dangers do exist and one accident is one too many since they can all be avoided.

The experiences reported elsewhere in Canada as described below is chilling and serves to illustrate further the need to focus attention on improving overall health and safety measures on farms.

In the ten years between 1983 and 1993, there were 1,365 known deaths on Canadian farms - almost half due to farm machinery and over a third involving children under 19 or adults over 65. It is estimated that farmers are five times more likely to be killed through occupation-related accidents than workers in all other industries. The death rate for farmers is estimated at 55 for every 100,000, while the average for all other industries combined is 11/100,000. This mortality rate is even higher than occupations generally perceived as being dangerous, such as mining (50/100,000) and construction (37/100,000). Agriculture also has the highest rate of disabling injuries among all industries at 58/100,000.

In terms of farm health, we find equally disturbing figures. There has been a 40% increase in bronchitis among Western farmers over the last ten years and a corresponding rise in the number of deaths from lung disease. About half of all Canadian farmers over 20 years old have more than a 50% hearing loss, and the suicide rate for farmers of 40/100,000 is considerably higher than that of the general population at 18/100,000. While it cannot be proven that lung problems, hearing loss or suicides are the direct and sole result of farm-related activities, the statistical evidence does suggest a strong relationship which warrants special attention.

Farmers across the country are as concerned about farm health and safety issues as they are about product prices, crop yield or feed grain subsidies. Not only do farm accidents and health problems cause obvious personal trauma and human suffering, but they are expensive to control or rectify, and they impede competitiveness through losses in productivity and heavy financial outlays.

Several countries have taken strong and active measures to promote farm health and safety, often through a combination of awareness programs and government regulation. The Canadian Coalition for Agricultural Safety and Rural Health has developed an Action Plan upon which the Canadian Agricultural Safety Program is founded. The program involves both industry and governments and the Action Plan outlines national and provincial priority areas.

The first priority of the Canadian Coalition for Agricultural Safety and Rural Health's Action Plan is to reduce the risk faced by children residing in farm households who are continuously exposed to operating farm machinery, pesticides, livestock and other hazards. In the medium and long term, the Action Plan aims at developing a better understanding of the causes underlying injury, disease and property damage. Therefore, surveillance and research are essential to finding permanent solutions for reducing the human suffering farm accidents cause and enhancing human resource productivity.

As an active producer, you can be a part of this long-term farm health and safety initiative. You can reduce the accident potential on your farm by periodically surveying for hazards and controlling them before they become a problem. The following Checklist is intended to assist you in this task. However, it is not intended to cover all possible hazards, especially those associated with specialized farming operations.

This Checklist manual contains 80 questions in ten principal categories of farm health and safety:

Accident Prevention

Medical Aid

Farm Machinery

Agricultural Chemicals

Fuel Storage

Electricity

Buildings and Materials

Animal Facilities

Grain & Silage Storage Structures

Hand & Power Tools.

For each question you have the choice of four answers: "YES", "NO", "DO NOT KNOW" and "NOT APPLICABLE". The "DO NOT KNOW" response category is provided for two reasons. First, as the owner/operator, you may not be involved in the day-to-day operations of your farm and therefore not aware if certain hazards exist or safety precautions are being followed. Even though another family member, farm manager or employee (who may be responsible for certain farm operations) might be aware of hazards or safety precautions taken, we are interested in your responses as the principal decision-maker for the operation.

Second, you may not know whether a certain condition exists because, for example, a piece of machinery may not have been checked recently or the technical specifications of a particular tool are not be known to you. Similarly, you may not provide close supervision of experienced farm hands and, therefore, you may not be aware of how they perform routine tasks.

The "NOT APPLICABLE" category is provided for obvious reasons. Certain sections of the Checklist may not apply to you if, for example, you do not raise livestock, store agricultural chemicals or handle grain or silage. Similarly, individual questions may not apply should you not have, for instance, certain kinds of fuel storage systems, buildings or farm machinery on your farm.

Further Action to Take

Once you have completed the Checklist, you should turn to the Interpretation Guide (after the Checklist) for guidance in the interpretation of your responses to the questions presented. It will also suggest ways you can use the Checklist information to promote greater awareness of health and safety issues on your farm, including discussions with your family and farm employees.

The Checklist questions are extensive and cover the main categories of health and safety issues, but they are by no means all-encompassing. We have attempted to raise only the most common or important issues. Within each safety category area there are numerous other questions which could be asked, many of which you may identify yourself.

Should you require further information on any of the issues raised or more detailed self-evaluation exercises, we can send them to you. Based largely on farm safety materials compiled by the Farm Women's Association, for example, information and checklist exercises can be provided in the following areas:

Personal Protective Equipment

Farm Animals

Tractor Safety

Farm Fires

Harvesting

Silo Gases and Farmer's Lung Disease

Pesticides, and Chemicals

Agricultural Machinery

Chainsaw Safety

Big Bale Safety

Noise

Human Stress and Body Factors

Child Safety

Back Awareness

Accident Rescue and First Aid

Have any farm workers (including family members) received instruction in safe working practices other than the Pesticides Applicator Course?

Are emergency phone numbers listed and posted in prominent places (e.g. by telephones and in main work areas)?

MEDICAL

Is there a first aid kit available in the farm-yard, house, barn or the main farm buildings? Is there a first aid kit available for when workers are not within easy access to the farm-yard or farm buildings (e.g. in vehicles)?

Is someone on the farm with formal training in first aid?

Are guards and shields always kept in place when farm machinery is in use?

Is the power always turned off before machinery is adjusted, repaired or unclogged?

Is it a standard rule on your farm to not allow extra riders on farm equipment?

Do farm workers always check to ensure children and animals are not close by before starting up farm machinery and equipment?

Are seatbelts always used on tractors equipped with Roll Over Protective Structures?

Are drawbar loads always hitched to a drawbar rather than to the tractor's axle, frame or raised three-point hitch?

Are manufacturers' recommendations for adding front-end weights always followed when using rear mounted implements on tractors?

Are all tractors and self-propelled machines equipped with a dry chemical fire extinguisher?

Are doors and windows in buildings always open when vehicles or equipment with internal combustion engines are started or run indoors?

Are flashing lights mounted on all farm equipment transported on public roads?

Do farm machinery operators at all times wear clothing which is tight-fitting and not torn or ragged when working near machinery?

Are farm equipment instructional manuals readily available to operators?

Are farm tractors and other self-propelled vehicles always kept in good working order (e.g. periodic brake adjustments, properly inflated tires, hydraulic hoses kept in good condition, etc.)?

Do all farm equipment operators know how to stabilize a piece of farm equipment using jacks and blocks before repairing or servicing the equipment?

Is all trailing equipment fitted with safety chains and locking devices to keep hitch pins from falling out?

Are all steps, ladders and platforms on farm equipment kept clear of mud and other material which may cause slipping or falling?

Have all farm workers using agricultural chemicals taken the Pesticides Applicator Course?

Are all agricultural chemicals stored in a locked room or building away from animal, feed, seeds and living quarters?

Are signs posted next to all chemical storage areas to warn of the potential hazards inside?

Are chemicals always stored in their original containers with the labels clearly intact?

Are empty chemical containers always disposed of promptly and safely?

Is your chemical mixing area either outside or in an open, well-ventilated area?

Are non-compatible chemicals in storage always physically isolated from one another?

Is personal protective equipment (including gloves, goggles, respirators, aprons and hard-shell hats) always used by farm workers when applying or handling farm chemicals?

Are fuel storage tanks at least 14 metres (40 feet) from the nearest building?

Are fuel storage tanks located where they will not be struck by vehicles and machinery?

Is the condition of underground fuel storage tanks checked periodically to ensure there is no leakage?

Are dry chemical fire extinguishers readily available in all fuel storage areas?

Are fuel storage hoses, nozzles and pumps always kept in good condition, and vents kept clean and free of dirt?

Are approved safety containers always used to store small quantities of gasoline, kerosene or diesel fuel?

Are all bulk propane storage tanks located at least the minimum distance of 3 metres (10 feet) from the nearest building?

Are all propane system regulators and gauges protected from weather and dirt?

Are areas around fuel tanks and pumps always kept free of weeds, trash and other combustible materials?

Are "No Smoking" signs posted in all fuel storage and handling areas and other places where combustible materials are located?

ELECTRICITY

Are all wiring, power cords, plugs and switches in farm buildings and around the farm kept in good condition?

Does the electrical system have ample capacity to handle all loads?

Are all electrical circuits equipped with the proper size fuses or circuit breakers?

Do all main power switches controlling electrically-operated farm equipment have a lock-out device to prevent accidental starting of equipment while servicing?

Are overhead wires in the farm yard area and near to field entrances high enough to adequately clear machinery?

Are all electrical appliances and power tools used around the farm CSA or UL approved?

Are all light bulbs in livestock or storage buildings shielded or protected from breakage?

Are electrical outlets in buildings with high moisture content or where water is sprayed periodically moisture-proof?

Are ground fault circuit interrupters installed and used to prevent electrical shock in all damp work areas (such as milking parlours, milkhouses and animal confinements)?

Are building entranceways and passages always kept clear of stored materials or trash that may catch fire, cause falls or fall on workers?

Do all stairways have handrails?

Are all steps and stairs kept free of objects and substances that would make them slippery and cause falls?

Are all openings through floors protected by guard rails?

Are all materials stacked and stored safely (for example, by removing loose nails and other sharp objects from loose boards or by not stacking materials in high piles that may fall on people)?

Are doors and gates to hazaradous areas (such as silo entrances, manure storage areas, animal quarters and chemical storage) kept closed and secured at all times?

Are fire extinguishers or other fire fighting equipment in good working order placed in each farm building?

Are all ladders used on the farm kept in good condition (through regular painting or coating of wooden ladders, ensuring there are no cracks or faults, replacing worn and damaged rungs or siderails, etc.)?

Are shields and guards in place on all belts, pulleys and chain drives on feed grinding and handling equipment?

Are all loading troughs on augers, elevators and conveyors covered with a guard or grating?

Are potentially slippery surfaces, such as milking parlour steps and walkways, roughened to prevent slips and falls?

Are ventilation fans and vents in confinement housing in good working condition?

Are all heat lamps for farrowing and brooding well supported and at least 50 centimetres (2 feet) away from combustible materials?

Are manure pits and lagoons guarded by grates, covers or fencing that are sturdy and of adequate size to prevent access?

Are manure pits and lagoons posted with warning signs?

Are electrical stock water heaters grounded?

Are all heaters installed away from combustible materials and (for those that are fuel-burning) properly vented to prevent carbon monoxide leakage?

Are entrances to grain and silage storage areas always kept closed to prevent unintended access?

Are all rotating augers, belts, pulleys and chains on loading and unloading machinery shielded?

Are there safety cages on all silos and bin ladders extending beyond 6 metres (18 feet)?

Do all grain bins have fixed ladders outside the bins?

Do all grain bins have fixed ladders inside the bins?

Can the power to each grain or silo structure be locked out so the unloading mechanism cannot be started when someone is working inside the bin?

Are signs warning that grain or silage storage machinery may begin automatically posted at all locations?

HAND & POWER TOOLS

Are all stationary power tools grounded and all portable power tools either double insulated or of the three-wire grounded type?

Are portable power tools always disconnected when not in use?

Are all stationary tools such as grinders and saws properly shielded and the shields always in place when in use?

Are all hand tools (especially cutting tools like saws, axes and knives) properly stored so they cannot fall or be brushed against accidentally?

Are all hand-tools (such as axes, picks and sledgehammers) in good condition such that, for example, they have tight-fitting and splinter-free handles?

Are hearing protective devices always used when operating noisy machinery and power tools?

Is your welding area well-ventilated?

Are all work areas well lit?

The following information may help you to interpret your responses to the Checklist questions and identify issues which warrant your attention.

NO Responses: If you have answered "NO" to any question, this should be interpreted as a red flag - a potential danger which must be dealt with immediately. Your first action is to cease all tasks in the activity area concerned until adequate safety measures can be implemented. You may wish to discuss appropriate safety measures with family members and workers who might know more than you do about why the hazard exists and how best to deal with it.

Take the time to assess the degree of danger that is associated with the issue producing the "NO" response. While you may be able to reduce the potential effect of a hazard by taking the minimum precaution, it may be in your best interest to take additional, more stringent measures to ensure injury or property damage is avoided. If you are in any doubt about what specific actions to take, contact your local Agricultural Representative, the Agriculture Branch, the Occupational Health and Safety Officer in your region or the Federation of Agriculture.

DO NOT KNOW Responses: A "DO NOT KNOW" response to a question does not necessarily mean a health or safety hazard exists since, as owner/operator of the farm, you may rely on the knowledge and experience of others in performing certain tasks. A "DO NOT KNOW" response merely alerts you to a potential danger and warrants verification with the appropriate family member or employee who has responsibility for the task covered by the question. It is suggested that all health and safety questions leading you to answer "DO NOT KNOW" should be discussed fully and openly with your family and employees to ensure hazards of which you are not aware do not exist.

NOT APPLICABLE Responses: Even though most questions to which you may respond "NOT APPLICABLE" may indeed not apply to your operation, it is worth checking with your family and employees. Depending on the degree of control you exercise over routine farm work tasks, you may find that a new piece of equipment is being used on your farm or a new practice being followed about which you were unaware such that a question you thought was not applicable is indeed relevant.

Overall Assessments: There is no proper way to tally your "YES" and "NO" responses to the 80 questions in order to arrive at some numerical score of the overall level of farm safety. This is not a Reader's Digest quiz where obtaining a certain score indicates your performance is excellent, good or poor. Not all of the questions (and corresponding responses) in the Checklist carry the same weight in terms of degree of importance. For example, failing to check for children and animals before starting equipment (Question #9) normally carries with it more serious consequences than using tools which have loose-fitting or splintered handles (Question #77).

Obviously, if you have answered "YES" to all applicable questions, you can take pride that you are an extremely safety- conscious farmer. Should you answer "NO" to all applicable questions, your farm is a time-bomb waiting to go off - hazards are lurking in every part of your operation. We doubt if any farmers fall into either category.

The level of importance attached to any question or set of questions (and to the corresponding answers) must be determined largely by you based on the nature and characteristics of your farm operation. If you store large quantities of fuel, but only minimal quantities of agricultural chemicals, you may want to place more weight on your answers to the questions in the Fuel Storage section than those under Agricultural Chemicals. In attaching relative importance to each question and answer, you must take into account such factors as the number of people working on the farm, the frequency of use of equipment, machinery and buildings, the physical lay-out of the farm and the type of work tasks performed, etc. Frank discussion with those working on your farm may help you determine the most important safety issues in the Checklist and how you should prioritize your answers.

The Checklist, text and Safety Response Fact Sheets were prepared by:

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