How to Create a Farm Safety Plan

Farming is a high-risk occupation. No matter the size of your farming operation, you need to have a farm safety plan in place. All of your employees and family members need to be familiar with the farm safety plan especially in case of an emergency. Post the plan in a prominent location in the farm office and make sure each employee and family member has a copy of it.

Instructions

1. Develop a safety policy statement. Encourage your employees to participate in its creation. Be very clear on the importance of safety for everyone.

2. Appoint someone as the safety director. It may be the owner, a member of the family or a trusted employee. This person's job is to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. They should also be in charge of safety training exercises.

3. Post in a prominent location the safety director's phone number. Also post numbers to call in an emergency. Display maps or diagrams of the locations of landline telephones, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Also make sure each farm vehicle has a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Plan to re-stock first aid kits and fire extinguishers periodically.

4. Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities in case of an emergency. All employees should know how to use the fire extinguishers. If possible offer training in CPR and basic first aid.

5. Keep records of safety issues. Make it possible for employees to record any safety problem that might occur. Correct the problem as soon as possible and make note of its correction.

6. Stress the importance of safety on a daily basis. Require everyone to use the proper safety equipment to do his job. When performing repairs and routine maintenance, make sure all safety shields are in place.

7. Promote a zero tolerance policy of alcohol and drug use on the job. Also do not tolerate horseplay around farm equipment or farm animals.