With an estimated 22,500 grain farms around Australia, we thought we’d address the top 5 hazards that can affect grain farmers and their workers
Machinery and Equipment
When it comes to grain farming, machinery and equipment are a necessity to get the job done. Each stage of grain or crop farming requires mechanical assistance from seeding or planting through to harvest. Without machinery such as headers or combine harvesters, daily tasks out in the field at such a large scale would be impossible. Some of the most common mechanical hazards for grain production are tractors, combine harvesters, chaser bins, motorcycles, quad bikes, augers, grain bins, silos, and spraying equipment.
Grain storage and confined spaces
Did you know that engulfment by grain can occur when field bins collapse? Engulfment can also occur with any flowing grain. Grain storage, bin or silo entrapments are one of the most identified hazards associated with grain farming, usually occurring when shifting grain or unloading. Grain storage bins and silos are designed to unload from the bottom, often against better judgement a worker will enter a bin to loosen a blockage whilst equipment may still be running.
Chemicals
Chemicals are often used in crop and grain farming, from seed treatment to pest control, crop/grain protection and rodent control. These chemicals pose a risk of exposure for those using them and by-standers through mixing, application, and storage.
Fatigue
We’re all guilty of it, working longer hours than we should when things get busy. Unfortunately, fatigue can affect anyone and working long days without adequate breaks increases your risk of making a mistake. On farm you are in control of some substantially heavy machines and vehicles, operators run the risk of collisions with other machines, stationary objects such as trees, sheds, and power poles or overhead powerlines. Fatigue impedes on your normal daily activities and functions, impacting your alertness and slowing reaction times. The risks associated with fatigue are even greater at night.
Biosecurity
For grain and crop farmers, biosecurity threats such as new pests entering their properties are a daily risk. Whilst not specifically related to health and safety of a worker, the result of a biosecurity threat can cause for concern, large amounts of stress and negatively impacting a person’s mental wellbeing.
Read more about managing these hazards.