Hazards
All contractors and visitors to the farm must sign in using the button above, or by phone call or text message to Tony or Megan when arriving and leaving. Please leave a message on the answer phone if there is no answer - 027 201 5155. There is limited phone reception on the drive way - you may need to drive up the drive to find reception.
The exception to signing in is if your vehicle fleet is tracked by GPS and you are visiting regularly - i.e. transport companies.
Contractor's health and safety documents can be forwarded to foxhavenfarms2022@gmail.com.
Please read all General Hazards below and the Hazard Map then read the hazards for the relevant work areas below before you commence work.
If you are going to be using our machinery please read about the Vehicle and Machinery Hazards and ensure you receive the appropriate training.
All hazards are subject to change and where possible those changes will be updated on this site and existing contractors notified. However, care must be taken at all times as this is not an exhaustive list. Expect the unexpected and report any incidents or accidents either in person, or using the form on this site. We will investigate incidents in order to find ways to prevent them happening again. The policies you read here are often the results of previous accidents and incidents including some on this farm. To encourage full and open reporting we operate a 'just culture' where investigations don't result in repercussions unless malice is involved. Please also report any changed or new hazards you may notice. We are open to all suggestions how to make the farm safer.
General Hazards
Steep and sometimes slippery slopes - see map. High risk of slides and collision. Use the appropriate vehicle for the conditions. Avoid no-go areas as shown on the map and don't go anywhere you are uncomfortable.
Irrigation and rainfall will increase risk of loss of control.
Fire - high risk in vegetation and buildings. Note location of diesel and petrol tanks by the sheds. Note location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits. High pressure water is available from irrigation hydrants during irrigation season.
Heavy machinery operating - particularly trucks and tractors. Caution blind spots. Tractors are a major cause of incidents. Only trained or experienced staff to operate machinery.
Manual Handling - medium risk of lifting injury. Use two people to lift weights over 25kg or use the Merlo telehandler.
Noise hazards - medium risk of hearing loss. Chainsaws, lawn mowers, power tools, plant and other equipment exceed the safe level of noise. Hearing protection must be worn if using any loud equipment. Remove, isolate or avoid the source of the noise where possible.
Chemical hazard - explosive, fire, corrosive and toxic risks. Refer to Safety Data Sheets and Inventory.
Store chemicals in original containers with warning labels showing.
Avoid contact with chemicals - particularly hormone treatments, anthelmintics, insecticides and herbicides when pregnant.
Use PPE: nitrile gloves, mask, safety glasses, cotton overalls and gumboots.
Animals. Particularly hazardous when handling in cattle yards - high crushing and kicking risk. When working in the yards be aware of slippery and boggy surfaces. Follow Worksafe guidance. Be firm but quiet when working with animals, have an escape route, keep clear of kicking range and expect them to turn on you at any time. Bulls are high risk, heifers are medium risk.
Pigs are strong and will bunt which is particularly hazardous if the boars have tusks. Boars with poor temperaments are eliminated.
Children may be present at any place on the farm and must never be alone. If children are found alone then pick them up, particularly if they are near water. High risk.
Tractor wheels - store laying flat on a pallet or timber to keep it off the ground but unable to fall on children.
Any heavy objects that may fall on people need to be secured - post drivers, workshop shelves, mole ploughs etc.
Traffic on Brockmans Road and Oamaru Creek Road. Brockmans Rd has narrow blind corners and rolling drop offs. Medium collision risk. Follow road rules. Keep left and allow faster traffic past. Be aware of faster traffic catching up. Use care when pulling out with tractors as the front end loader protrudes in front.
Stock on Brockmans Road and Oamaru Creek Road. High collision risk. Double check that stock are locked away at night. Use stock signs, rotating beacon and sufficient staff when shifting stock on the road. Notify council for a free permit if shifting stock on the road.
Ensure stock are well fed, watered and have good fence power to reduce risk of breakouts.
Electrical hazards - high electrocution risk. Remain 4m clear of overhead wires and enquire with farm owners over location of underground cables before digging. Note: cables may be anywhere within the width of the trench they are laid in. Browse the Network Waitaki site for public cable location and more safety info.
High pressure water - medium injury risk. All irrigation infrastructure is high pressure, is often buried. Always isolate pressure before working on infrastructure.
Water blaster - High pressure water hazard. Don't hose anyone with it.
Pinch points and snag risk - particularly with PTO's, fertiliser spreader, feed out equipment, mower and on pivot drive shafts. Keep clear of all of the pinch points unless the machine is off (engine off, not just PTO). Don't wear loose clothing.
Overground pipework - feeders for K-lines. High risk of falling off two wheelers. Ride slowly and keep an eye out.
Rock fall hazards. Take care in vicinity of steep faces. Learn where in each paddock they are. Drive slowly. Don't spend time in rockfall areas unnecessarily - spend minimum time there. High risk.
Uneven, rough or soft and boggy ground. High risk of losing control, collision or roll-over. These hazards can be anywhere and develop any time. Report any holes or bogs to farm owners.
Waterways - unfenced creeks with soft bottom as well as the fenced springs and creeks present a drowning risk. Children under the age of eight are to be supervised directly by someone over the age of sixteen.
Fire extinguishers - while these are a safety feature they are also highly pressurised gas cylinders. To be handled with care. These will be maintained every five years as per law. Ensure always charged. Medium risk.
Fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located in vehicles.
Water troughs - often in the middle of a paddock with leader lines supplying them. Learn the location of each trough as they are shifted. Medium risk. Drive slowly.
Dead hole - pathogens and collapse risk. Stay clear unless performing necessary task such as disposing of animals.
Compost - pathogen risk. Avoid handling manually if possible. wear gloves if it must be handled and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Ideally use a tractor with a cab and front end loader to handle compost. When spreading on paddocks keep people away from any dust.
Fire arms - high shooting risk. Follow seven rules of firearm safety. Only licensed shooters to operate firearms and only with permission from land owners.
Electric Fences - low electrocution risk. Ensure visitors don't touch fences.
Environmental hazards - weather; sun, rain, snow, visibility, wind, electrical storms. Wear appropriate clothing, use sun block. High risk.
Bale stacks - may be unstable and fall. Don't climb. Don't work near them unnecessarily.
Electric Fence unit - minor shock risk. Keep out of reach of children.
Pig effluent pits - keep lids on to prevent children accessing them. There is an asphyxiation risk and confined space risk with the effluent pits, don't enter without a spotter outside.
Feed plant and augers- keep safety guards in place. Never put hands or feet in augers - always turn off before unblocking or repairing.
Silos - don't enter full silo due to risk of bridging collapse and subsequent asphyxiation. Risk of working at heights. Don't work on or in silos alone. Use Merlo if a worker is trapped.