This series will significantly cover the most important topics that our former Senior Farm Safety Advisor, John Darcy, discussed with farmers at the dining table, during a Farm Safety Visit.
Each episode, available to watch whenever it is convenient, significantly covers an employer’s OH&S responsibilities, tailored specifically to farmers. The aim is to provide vital support to farmers on their OH&S journey.
Templates and resources that are mentioned, are also available for free download, and can be found under each episode.
Dining Table Talks: Episodes
The first episode focuses on the importance of conducting inductions with your employees, how to do an induction correctly, and what documentation you need to have. It focuses on answering topical questions may farmers have, like:
• What should you cover during an induction?
• How do you make the template relevant to your business?
• What are your responsibilities as an employer?
The second episode covers the intricacies of workplace OH&S policies and procedures. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What does establishing OH&S policies and procedures, for specific health and safety issues look like?
• How do you consult with your employees to build a safety-centric culture?
• How can you ensure OH&S is always on the agenda?
The third episode offers recommendation on the safe operation of machinery, and ways to ensure workplace machinery is fit for purpose. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What are the hazards of plant machinery?
• How do I know if my machinery is safe and fit for purpose?
• Why are lockout tags so important?
The fourth episode covers ways to educate employees on the safe use of chemicals, and tips on how to properly store hazardous materials within the workplace. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What are safety data sheets in relation to chemical usage?
• How can I educate employees on chemical safety?
• How can I ensure the safe usage and storage of workplace chemicals?
The fifth episode covers steps to take in establishing emergency procedures in the workplace. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What is a floor plan supposed to look like?
• Which resources should I display in the workplace?
• How can I establish a set of emergency procedure instructions for my employees?
The sixth episode covers the importance, and duty, employers have to consult with their employees in the workplace. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What does consulting with employees entail?
• How can I meet my duties as an employer?
• How important is record keeping?
The seventh episode focuses on the preventative nature of incident reporting. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What is an employer’s obligation to notify and to record?
• How can I ensure my employees know of accident and injury reporting expectations?
• What is the criteria for notifiable incidents?
The eighth episode covers the responsibilities that employers have to train their staff, and also explores the need for high risk work licenses. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What are competency checklists?
• How can I ensure that newly inducted staff are trained to the highest standard?
• What is a high risk work license?
The ninth episode explores the duties that farmers have to contractors who work on their property. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• Should I ask for their insurance details?
• How can I induct subcontractors on my farm?
• Who do my responsibilities extend to?
The tenth episode focuses on safety when working with electricity. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• What is a No Go Zone?
• How can I reduce the risk of powerlines on my property?
• Are Residual Current Device’s (RCD) necessary in the workplace?
The eleventh covers the importance of managing realistic working expectations. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• How long is too long?
• In what ways can I ensure my employees are taken care of?
• What are the dangers of working alone?
The twelfth episode explores ways farmers can maintain a safe workplace. It aims to answer topical questions farmers may have, like:
• How often should I check my farm?
• What does workplace maintenance look like?
• How can I encourage my employees to participate in embracing work safety culture?
Dining Table Talks: Farm Safety Webinar
This webinar is a recording of the full discussion that our former Farm Safety Advisor John Darcy, had with farmers at their dining tables during a MOFS Farm Safety Visit.
The episodes above are good to look at each topic individually, but if you need to get a feel for how it all hangs together, this is what you should watch.
The resources discussed are all linked up above with each episode.
Occupational Health and Safety Consultancy Handbook
This handbook was developed as a way to guide farmers through their OH&S responsibilities as employers.
We provide this book to farmers during an our in-person Farm Safety Visits, as a tool to assist them in developing an understanding of their legal responsibilities and how to practically meet those duties.