In the realm of agriculture, forestry, and fishing, WorCover Queensland is initiating audits and assessments focusing on workplace safety.
For the onsite traffic management project, workplaces in construction, manufacturing, transport, and agriculture will undergo a comprehensive assessment starting July 2016. The objective is to diminish fatalities and injuries caused by incidents involving mobile plant and vehicles in Queensland workplaces. WorCover Queensland inspectors will conduct on-site visits to raise awareness about associated risks and assist in implementing effective traffic management strategies.
In the horticulture sector, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is conducting on-farm assessments throughout Queensland in 2017. These assessments aim to aid fruit and vegetable growers in managing work health and safety effectively. Focus areas include harvesting and packing, quad bikes, working with tractors and associated implements, handling and storage of rural chemicals, induction and training for transient, young, and older workers, electrical safety around overhead power lines, and consultation between growers.
For intensive livestock handling, WHSQ has planned engagement activities with stakeholders, encompassing assessments and proactive campaigns targeting livestock rail freight, live export facilities, feedlots, and saleyards, among others.
In the quad bikes project, WorCover Queensland will engage with quad bike suppliers and rural users to enhance safety understanding, management, and practices. The project covers statewide awareness efforts, with organizations and employers being contacted by WHSQ for involvement.
To prepare for these initiatives, businesses are encouraged to download the 'Serious about farm safety' guide for agricultural workplaces. This guide provides information about common industry hazards and templates to aid in developing a safety management system for the property. Additionally, for the quad bikes project, businesses should ensure the availability of a completed risk assessment, implement safe work procedures, maintain up-to-date staff training records, and ensure compliance with property policies regarding quad bike safety, including wearing helmets, training, carrying passengers, and managing loads.