Explore essential information on the specific hazards and risks present in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector. Here's a breakdown of key areas:
1. Animal Handling: Farm animals can pose serious threats if not handled properly. Learn more about safe practices.
Standards and compliance
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
- Animal Care and Protection Act 2001
Codes of practice
- How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)
- Managing the work environment and facilities code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.57 MB)
- Hazardous manual tasks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.38 MB)
Related links
2. Casual Workers: Whether directly employed or through a labor hire agency, treating casual workers with the same care as full-time employees is crucial.
3. Cattle Handling: Large and potentially aggressive, cattle handling presents diverse risks influenced by factors such as breed characteristics and psychological state.
4. Children on Farms: Children on farms face numerous hazards. Discover ways to protect them and understand legal responsibilities.
Standards and compliance
Codes of practice
- Children and young workers code of practice 2006 (PDF, 0.42 MB)
- How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)
Related links
- Child safety on farms checklist
- Safe play areas on farms: A resource package
- Get going. Moving kids safely on farms (booklet)
- Child safety on farms guideline (booklet)
- Child safety on farms: priorities for best practice (presentation)
- Child safety on farms (case studies)
- Ripper II: Growing kids on farms – an educational resource for primary schools
- Child safety on farms (video)
5. Construction in Agricultural Settings: Insights into construction activities within agriculture, forestry, and fisheries workplaces.
6. Driving Plant on the Road: Requirements for driving plant vehicles on the road, including the necessity of a Queensland-issued driver's license.
7. Elevating Work Platforms: Explore hazards associated with elevating work platforms, from fixed to adjustable and automated systems.
Further information
- Design registration of elevating work platforms (EWPs)
- Maintenance, inspection and repair of elevating working platforms (EWPs)
- Safe support of mobile plant guide (PDF, 3.42 MB)
8. Emergency Preparedness and First Aid: Ensuring rural properties are prepared for emergencies, with access to first aid amenities and trained personnel. Learn more about first aid and emergency plans.
9. Fruit Harvesting and Packaging: Navigating safety risks during the bustling harvest season, considering additional workers and machinery.
Standards and compliance
Codes of practice
- How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)
- Safe Design and Operation of Tractors Code of Practice 2005 (PDF, 0.5 MB)
- Rural Plant Code of Practice 2004 (PDF, 0.63 MB)
Related links
10. Hazardous Chemicals: Guidance on managing risks related to the storage, use, transport, and disposal of chemicals in rural workplaces. How to get involved: Farmers can participate in the program by registering their unwanted chemicals or veterinary products by visiting the ChemClear website or by calling 1800 008 182.
11. Health and Safety Tips: Comprehensive health and safety tips tailored to the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry.
12. Horse Handling:Understanding the risks associated with handling horses to ensure safety for both handlers and others.
Standards and compliance
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
- Animal Care and Protection Act 2001
Codes of practice
- How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)
- Horse Riding Schools, Trail Riding Establishments and Horse Hiring Establishments Industry Code of Practice 2002 (PDF, 0.62 MB)
Related links
- Hendra virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, moving horses and horse welfare
- Guide to managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses
- Serious about farm safety
13. Machinery and Equipment: Insight into the range of machinery and equipment used in agriculture, including tractors and quad bikes.
14. Manual Tasks and Noise: Protecting workers from excessive noise and manual task-related risks in the industry.
15. Pig Handling: Guidance on the risks involved in handling pigs and measures to ensure safety.
16. Remote and Isolated Work: Managing risks faced by remote workers and understanding legal requirements.
17. Safer Field Palletizing on Harvest Aids: Exploring risks and solutions in manually loading crates, boxes, or bags onto pallets during harvest.
18. Farm Vehicles and Harvesters: Addressing the significant risks associated with farm vehicles and harvesters on rural properties.
19. Palletizing, Including Field Palletizing on Harvest Aids: Understanding the risks of packing, unpacking, and moving pallets to prevent serious injuries.
20. Safer Palletizing: Highlighting the importance of risk removal during the repetitive tasks of loading and unloading pallets.
21. Loading and Unloading Cattle: Preparation and understanding the risks of loading and unloading cattle to ensure safety.
22. Fixed Plant in Packing Sheds: Managing risks associated with specialized fixed plant equipment in packing sheds.
23. Safer Sorting and Grading on Conveyors: Balancing efficiency with safety when sorting and grading goods on conveyors.
24. Safer Ways to Work out of Produce Bins: Identifying risks and solutions related to moving produce from bins.
25. Safety of Older Farmers: Recognizing increased risks as the rural workforce ages and implementing safety measures.
26. Serious About Farm Safety: A guide developed by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and industry representatives to manage health and safety risks on farms.
27. Sheep Handling and Shearing: Understanding the risks associated with sheep handling activities and maintaining safety.
28. Silo Safety: Addressing safety risks, including falls, engulfment, and exposure to gases, associated with silos.
29. Stockyard Design: Recognizing the importance of well-designed stockyards in reducing accidents and injuries.
30. Working with Hay Bales: Understanding the risks associated with working with heavy hay bales after harvesting.
Standards and compliance
Codes of practice
- How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)
- Rural plant code of practice (PDF, 0.63 MB)
Related links
31. Sun Safety at Work: Promoting sun safety awareness for workers exposed to ultraviolet radiation, particularly in Queensland.
Codes of practice
You should read the How to manage work health and safety risks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB) carefully to make sure your business is complying with the health and safety duties in the WHS Act.
The Managing the work environment and facilities code of practice 2021 (PDF, 0.57 MB) includes relevant topics such as outdoor work, shade, heat, UVR.
Related links
- Sun Safety Toolbox Power Point
- Skin cancer and outdoor work: A work health and safety guide
- Cancer Council Queensland QUEST prevention program
- Cancer Council SunSmart at work information
- Check your local daily UV index
- Download the SunSmart app
- SunSmart resources: Skin check flyer
- Cancer Council Queensland sun protection facts
- How to apply sunscreen video