Farmsafe WA Alliance encourages farmers to be prepared for seeding and to consider safety precautions before seeding begins.

Farm safety issues to consider during this time include: 

• The condition and serviceability of equipment and plant (particularly tractors)
  
•  Ensuring adequate lighting of sheds and workshops to allow work to be done safely
•  Non-slip surfaces to prevent falls
  
•  Keeping control of fatigue, due to the long hours likely to be worked during seeding
  
•  Ensuring satisfactory levels of competence, adequate training and safety inductions of all workers hired
  
• Ensuring that the presence of children is reduced and/or strictly controlled, as often farms are homes and workplaces in one.

It is also vital to conduct a general safety check of the farm including a check of hazards such as rollover protection, steps and handrails, seatbelts, guarding of exposed and moving parts including power take-offs. Also check brakes, tyres, lighting etc. on a daily basis..

A work systems check is also important, including issues such as ‘no passengers'; ‘bystanders must be clear', safe work procedure in case of boggy or similar treacherous terrain; appropriate risk controls such as wide wheel tracks or traveling in low gear; and functioning communications gear.

Road safety is also another significant issue that Farmsafe WA Alliance are encouraging farmers to be mindful of. It is particularly important to be aware of fatigue issues related to working long hours during seeding and then getting behind the wheel of a car.

If you are driving, you should get off the road if you: 

• are yawning;
  
•  are blinking more than usual;
  
•  are having trouble keeping your head up;
  
•  notice your eyes closing for a moment or going out of focus; or
  
•  forget driving the last few kilometres.

Early danger signs of fatigue include:

•  wandering thoughts;
  
•  missing a gear, road sign or exit;
  
•  slowing unintentionally; and
  
•  braking too late.

After driving for long periods, you should stop for a break or coffee, swap drivers where possible or stop to have a short sleep. Remember to get plenty of rest the night before a long trip.

For more information and farm safety checklists visit www.farmsafewa.org and www.farmsafe.org.au or contact Farmsafe WA Alliance on (08) 9359 4118.