Photo Credit: Karsten Würth from Unsplash

MARCH 2021

There are tasks that should never be done alone on the farm, such as working in a confined space. In fact, it’s usually best to work in pairs or groups. However, if you need to do a task alone, first stop, think, and act. Stop and ask yourself what could go wrong. How bad could it be? Has anything changed? Then think. Ask yourself if you clearly understand the task. Are you physically and mentally ready? Do you have the right tools? This checklist is for those instances where you feel safe enough to act.

SAFETY CHECKLIST

• Can the task be completed at a different time with more than one person? How?
• Consider what hazards exist when working alone, such as heights, machinery, livestock, and chemicals.
• How can you eliminate these hazards, substitute them with something safer, or create barriers between yourself and the hazards?
• Are you and employees fully trained on safely doing the task?
• Are you rested, focused, fed and hydrated?
• Does someone know where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing? Do they plan to check on you at a certain time?
• Does this person have supplies if you’re injured? Do you have a fully-stocked first aid kit? (See resources below).
• Stick to a return plan. Who will make sure you’ve returned at the agreed-upon time?
• Do you have the appropriate tools with you?
• Are you wearing all of the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job?
• Do you have an emergency plan in place, including what you’ll do if injured or an escape plan when working with livestock?

You and/or your employee(s) can download and print a pdf checklist to complete safety checks on your farm. Keep the completed forms for follow-up, future reference and inspections.