Comprehensive WHS Policies for Farming in Australia
Farming is one of Australia's most dangerous industries, with 46 on-farm fatalities reported in 2021 alone and in 2019 the average cost of fatality on farms was 1.95m.
Implementing proper WHS (Work Health and Safety) policies isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting lives, including your own, your workers’, and your family’s.
Whether you work with heavy machines, handle livestock, or manage chemicals, good policies can prevent accidents. They help keep your farm running smoothly. In this blog, we will explore important WHS policies for farming. We will discuss how to manage risks and what laws apply to agricultural workplaces.
Understanding Farm Workplace Policies and their Importance
Workplace policies set the ground rules for acceptable behaviour and outline consequences for non-compliance. They are particularly important on farms, where risks from heavy machinery, chemicals, and animals are high. Documenting these policies ensures everyone knows the rules and helps meet WHS regulations, making your farm a safer place for everyone.
Whether it’s managing social media use or tackling discrimination, having clear policies in place helps foster a respectful and efficient workplace.
How Workplace Policies Benefit Your Farm
Well-documented policies not only keep everyone on the same page but also make it easier to handle issues when they arise. Farms with clear policies are more likely to:
- Comply with WHS laws and values
- Respond quickly to issues, saving time and stress
- Provide a safer environment, reducing injuries and staff turnover
- Promote consistency in decision-making and operations
- Support long-term business planning
Now, let's look at the types of workplace policies every farm should consider.
Essential Types of Workplace Policies for Farms
Social Media Policy for Farm
In today’s tech-driven world, social media use can impact your business. Employees, contractors, and visitors need to know that what they say online about their employer—even if it’s vague—can have serious consequences. Establish a policy that covers what’s acceptable and what’s not when it comes to online behaviour.
Discrimination and Harassment (Including Sexual Harassment)
Discrimination and harassment are illegal and unacceptable. Make it clear that these behaviours won’t be tolerated on your farm. You can include all forms of discrimination and harassment in one policy or create separate ones, ensuring everyone knows what’s expected.
Addressing Bullying in the Workplace
Bullying in any workplace is harmful. Create a policy that explains what bullying is and how it will be dealt with. This not only keeps your team safe but also helps protect your business from legal issues.
Promoting Mentally Healthy Workplaces
Promoting mental health in the workplace benefits everyone. A mentally healthy workplace is a more productive one, so consider implementing a policy that supports mental well-being. This shows you care about your workers’ overall health, not just their physical safety.
Managing Drugs and Alcohol on the Farm
Drug and alcohol use on farms can lead to accidents and health problems. A clear policy will help manage this risk, outlining acceptable behaviour and consequences for breaches.
Creating Return to Work Plans for Injured Employees
If an employee is injured, a return-to-work plan is essential. It helps them get back to work safely while they recover. Your policy should detail how you’ll support employees through this process.
Understanding WHS Duties for Farm Owners and Workers
WHS laws require farms to actively manage workplace risks. As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), you have a primary duty of care to ensure everyone on the farm—employees, contractors, and visitors—is safe.
The Duty to Manage Risks in Agriculture
The key to farm safety is identifying and managing risks before they become serious. Start by identifying hazards like dangerous machinery or chemicals, assess the risk level, and implement control measures to eliminate or reduce those risks.
Working Safely in Agriculture
Farming involves unique risks like working in remote areas, dealing with heavy machinery, and unpredictable weather conditions. You must ensure that all workers are trained and prepared to handle these challenges safely.
Managing Agricultural Risks
Planning for Emergencies on Farms
Emergencies on farms can range from medical incidents to fires. A well-prepared emergency plan, including first aid access and evacuation procedures, is essential.
Quad Bikes and Tractors
Did you know that over 75% of farm-related fatalities involve vehicles like quad bikes and tractors? Installing rollover protection on tractors and training workers in safe driving practices is critical to preventing accidents.
Common Risks on Farms and How to Manage Them
Farm workers are often isolated, lifting heavy loads, or operating machinery without help, which increases the risks. Ensure workers are aware of potential hazards and have the skills to manage them safely.
Common injuries on farms include fractures, cuts, and organ damage from machinery, animals, or falls. Managing these risks starts with clear policies and proper training.
Understanding Work Health and Safety Laws in Agriculture
Main Responsibilities and Duties Under WHS Laws
Under WHS laws, PCBUs must take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of workers and anyone else affected by farm activities. This includes creating and maintaining an emergency plan and providing first aid access.
Codes of Practice for Agricultural Workplaces
Codes of Practice provide guidelines on achieving safety standards. While they don’t replace the law, they offer practical advice to help farms comply with WHS regulations.
Take Action: Keep Your Farm Safe with Regional Safety Services
At Regional Safety Services, we understand the unique risks that come with farming. Our Online Safety Forms and Safety Training are specifically designed to help you stay compliant with Work Health and Safety laws while protecting your workers, your family, and your livelihood. With easy-to-use forms and self-paced training modules, you can ensure veryone on your farm is prepared for any safety challenge.
By using our simple and ready to go online safety solutions, you’re not just ticking a box—you’re actively reducing risks, improving productivity, and creating a safer working environment. Don’t wait until it’s too late; make safety a priority today.
To explore our Online Safety Forms and take the next step toward a safer, more compliant farm, Click here.
To explore our Employee & Employer Induction Courses, Click here.
FAQ'S
FAQs About WHS Policies for Farming
What is a WHS policy?
A WHS policy outlines the procedures and guidelines a workplace must follow to ensure health and safety. For farms, this includes everything from handling machinery to managing chemicals and ensuring workers are trained.
Do all farms need written WHS policies?
Yes, it’s recommended. Written policies help ensure compliance with WHS laws, making it easier to manage risks and protect workers.
What are the most important WHS policies for farms?
Key policies include managing machinery (like tractors and quad bikes), handling chemicals, and dealing with emergencies.
FAQs About Regional Safety Services
What does Regional Safety Services offer?
Regional Safety Services offers WHS training and compliance tools designed for farms. Their solutions include farm safety checklists, compliance forms, and online training courses for workers and employers.
How can I access their services?
You can visit their website to explore their services, including online safety forms and training programs that help farms stay compliant with WHS laws.
Do they offer on-site support?
Yes, they provide on-site WHS audits and consulting to ensure your farm complies with safety regulations.
Is there online training for employees?
Absolutely. Regional Safety Services offers online, self-paced training tailored to both employers and employees, covering key WHS topics relevant to farming.
