Building and maintenance work: Putting safety first

One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to engage experienced, competent, and fully insured contractors. Professional contractors have the skills, equipment, and safety knowledge needed to complete work safely and efficiently. Farmers must appoint, in writing, designated project supervisors for the design process (PSDP) and project supervisors for the construction stage (PSCS) in cases where:

• More than one contractor is involved;
• There is a particular risk; and
• The project will take longer than 30 days or require more than 500-person days.

Jobs that might require project supervisors include those that pose a higher risk, such as:

• Working on a fragile roof or repairing an asbestos roof (risk of falling from a height);
• Tank excavations (risk of being buried);
• Works near high-voltage power lines, for example, building a shed on a site which has existing power lines;
• The setting up or taking down of heavy parts, for example, in the construction of slatted tanks, or assembly of slatted floors or steel structures; and
• The removal of asbestos.

Working at height – a serious risk

Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in agriculture. Common incidents include falls from ladders through fragile roof sheets, skylights, and other unprotected openings. Before any work at height begins, the risks should be carefully assessed and appropriate controls put in place. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations promote a clear hierarchy of control:

• Avoid working at height wherever possible;
• Prevent falls by using suitable access equipment and safety measures; and
• Minimise the consequences of a fall through the use of fall-arrest systems and other protective equipment.

Good planning and preparation can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident. Key safety measures include:

• Planning and supervising the work
  Ensure all work is properly planned, organised, and supervised from start to finish.
• Creating a safe working environment
  Work areas should be stable, secure, and free from hazards.
• Monitoring weather conditions
  Rain, wind, ice, and poor visibility can make construction and maintenance tasks significantly more dangerous, particularly when working at height.
• Ensuring proper training
  Anyone involved in the work should be trained and competent to carry out tasks assigned to them.
• Inspecting equipment regularly
  Ladders, scaffolding, access platforms, harnesses, and lifting equipment should be maintained and inspected regularly.
• Protect people below
  Put measures in place to prevent tools, materials or debris from falling and causing injury below.

Don’t overlook insurance

Before construction or maintenance work starts, it is important to ensure that the appropriate insurance cover is in place. This can provide protection against legal liability if an accident occurs involving:

• Farm employees;
• Contractors and their employees;
• Delivery drivers;
• Visitors; and
• Members of the public.

Remember, hiring an insured contractor does not automatically mean you are protected against all potential claims. Liability can still arise in certain circumstances, so understanding your own insurance cover is essential.

Final thought

Careful planning, fully insured and competent contractors, proper supervision, and appropriate insurance cover can help protect everyone on site and reduce the likelihood of costly accidents.