JANUARY 2021

SAFETY CHECKLIST

Disclaimer: Don’t forget to wear a mask and follow all social distancing practices in the applicable situations below.

• Can you complete indoor tasks and leave outdoor tasks for a warmer day?
• Do you prioritize safety? Add more breaks, keep areas warm, provide warm food and drink, periodically check on employees, and train employees about the cold.
• Snow makes it difficult to see roads and bodies of water. Do bright signs or fences mark roads and water?
• Do you have heating systems to keep employees and livestock warm? Are they safe from fires and in well-ventilated areas?
• Does everyone work in pairs?
• Compared to warmer days, is there a higher ratio of people to tasks, with fewer tasks and more employees?
• Does work begin earlier to avoid being outside at night?
• Do you use sand, litter or deicer on slippery areas? These may be less effective as it gets colder.
• Do you wear the following when you go out in the cold? Layers (inner: polyester or polypropylene, middle: wool or down, outer: water-resistant nyon), hat with flaps, hood, flexible gloves (inner layer and water-resistant outer layer), facemask, boots (not steel-toed) with cleats or slip-on grips, socks with breathing room in boots, and sunglasses.
• Do you immediately remove and replace anything wet?
• Do you carry a safety toolbox with the following items? Headlamp, flashlight, two-way radio, first aid kit, pocket knife, thermometer, dry pair of clothes, blanket, high-protein snacks, and a sweet, warm beverage.

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.