Health and Safety Policy

  1. Policy Statement
    1. The Health and Safety Policy is North Fremantle Social Farm’s recognition of our responsibility to conduct all farm operational activities in a reasonable manner and to reasonably maintain healthy and safe conditions at our social farms.
  2. Audience and applicability
    1. This policy applies to staff, volunteers, contractors, program participants, allotment holders and farm visitors of North Fremantle Social Farm.
  3. Context
    1. North Fremantle Social Farm is fully committed to the health, safety and welfare of all people attending our farm, either as workers, volunteers, contractors, program participants, or visiting members of the public.
    2. For the purposes of this policy, any reference to “the farm” or “the farm site” means the general boundaries of the farm.
  4. Health and Safety Representatives
    1. All farm users have a responsibility to make sure the farm is a safe place to attend. North Fremantle Social Farm management will appoint reporting representatives for Health and Safety matters at the farm.
    2. Farm users should report to North Fremantle Social Farm management if they find any hazardous/dangerous situations so that the matter may be addressed. All users including staff, allotment holders and program participants are encouraged to report hazards and also to provide feedback on ways to improve safety at the farm as a whole.
    3. All input to the safety of the farm/work environment is appreciated.
  5. Our Responsibilities
    1. To ensure the farm premises (grounds and buildings including access and egress) are safe without risk to health.
    2. To ensure that any equipment, plant/tools and substances are safe and without risk to health.
    3. To ensure that all new workers, volunteers, contractors and program participants working at our farms will be given a Health and Safety Induction. This is a short talk to ensure that everyone is aware of the hazards associated with working in a farm environment.
    4. To provide information, training, instruction and supervision where necessary on the use of plant and equipment to ensure health and safety of users.
  6. Your Responsibilities
    1. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of others who may be affected by your actions.
    2. To co-operate with farm management by following directions, instructions, and complying with procedures to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
    3. You must use and maintain tools and equipment safely and properly.
    4. Wear appropriate safety and personal protection equipment.
    5. Take notice of signs and posted safety information.
    6. To not bring alcohol and other drugs onto the farm site or be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs when on farm premises.
    7. Notify Farm Management of any hazards or potential hazards immediately.
  7. Identifying Hazards
    1. Hazards are everywhere around us. Before commencing a task it is a good idea to carefully assess the situation for possible risks to health and safety.
    2. Things you should take into account when assessing risks include:
      • Your immediate environment
      • The materials you are working with
      • The tools and equipment you are using
      • Your own health and wellbeing

      3. Some examples of hazards in the farm environment include excessive sun exposure, insect bites, injury from use of tools, inhalation of spores in soil and back strain from inappropriate lifting techniques.

  8. Cost of Failure
    1. If hazards are ignored or not properly assessed and as a result an accident occurs this can impact not just on yourself but also on the people around you including farmers and allotment holders, volunteers, and program participants.
    2. Impact to visitors and members of the public could include:
      • Serious injury to yourself and others
      • Claims for damages against you
      • Replacement costs to damaged items/equipment
      • Temporary or permanent closure of the farm
  9. Working Safely
    1. No matter how careful we are, accidents still sometimes occur. We can minimise the risk of accidents by:
      • Following Health and Safety guidelines
      • Applying common-sense
      • Being aware of others and of the hazards around us
      • Wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
      • Cooperating with all other members and volunteers
      • Reporting problems such as damaged tools
      • Working in a safe and responsible manner
  10. Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE)
    1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided for your own health and safety. Please wear the appropriate PPE at all times, depending on the tasks you are undertaking and ensure it is clean and replaced after use.
    2. PPE provided by North Fremantle Social Farm includes:
      • Earmuffs
      • Dust masks
      • Safety glasses
      • Gardening and rigging gloves
      • Sunscreen
      • First aid kit
    3. It is your responsibility to notify Farm Management if these items break or become worn out and need replacing.
    4. There is some Personal Protective Equipment that you are required to provide for yourself including:
      • Long trousers (to be worn when mowing or whipper snipping)
      • A broad-brimmed hat for sunny days
      • A shirt with covered shoulders
      • Covered shoes
  11. Manual Handling
    1. Severe injury can be sustained through the simple act of lifting or carrying heavy loads in the wrong way. To avoid such accidents occurring, please follow these guidelines:
      • Be aware of your limitations. If in doubt ask someone for help
      • Plan the lift. If necessary use a trolley or wheelbarrow
      • Ensure the work area and pathway is free of slipping and tripping hazards
      • Check the load for sharp edges. Wear protective clothing if necessary as well as gloves and covered shoes
      • Ensure you have a stable footing that allows for even distribution of weight. The front foot should be beside the object, pointing in the direction of travel. The back foot should be slightly behind and hip width from the front foot
      • Ensure you have a secure hold of the object before lifting
      • Bend from the knees to get down to the level of the load and use the legs to lift
      • Keep your back straight!
      • Keep the head raised – this ensures your spine remains straight and you can see where you are going
      • Keep arms as close to the body as possible
      • Don’t change your grip while carrying and directly face the spot where the load will eventually rest
  12. Slips trips and falls
    1. Don’t carry objects that obstruct your view when walking.
    2. Ensure pathways, driveways, gates and doorways are free of clutter and trip hazards.
    3. Replace equipment in the appropriate location as soon as practicable after use.
    4. Clean up spills immediately or mark off their existence.
    5. Rope off any construction area if required to leave the site to ensure others safety.
    6. Report any lose paving, steps, timber edging or damaged fencing immediately.
    7. Use ladders when working at height.
  13. Working with soils and composts
    1. Soils, mulches and composts all contain particulates, fungal spores and bacteria that can damage your lungs and/or carry disease.
    2. When working with these substances it is important to avoid inhaling the dust.
    3. A dust mask should be worn to avoid any risk to your health.
  14. Sun Sense and Heat Policy
    1. The risk of sunburn and sunstroke, with the resulting possibility of developing melanomas and other skin cancers, is probably the most common risk associated with outdoor activity. It is probably also the most ignored.
    2. While working at our social farms you must:
      • Regularly apply sunscreen
      • Wear a shirt that covers your shoulders
      • Wear a broad-brimmed hat
    3. While working in the sun there is also the risk of dehydration so please ensure that you drink plenty of fluids and take regular short breaks.
    4. If the maximum forecast temperature for North Fremantle is more than 32 degrees the volunteer start time will be 7:30 am.
    5. If the maximum forecast temperature for North Fremantle is more than 35 degrees the volunteering will be cancelled on that day
  15. Domestic Animals
    1. No domestic animals are permitted at our farms, except dogs that provide personal assistance.
  16. Snakes, Spiders and Insects
    1. Not all insects and reptiles are bad but some of them do bite. Be aware of this and observe the following precautions.
    2. Wear safety boots at all times and long pants when working in long grass or near water.
    3. Know where the First Aid kit is located, near the sign on book.
    4. If a snake or spider bites you do not panic. Sit down immediately and call for help. Do not continue walking around.
    5. Always wear gloves when reaching into enclosed spaces.
    6. If you see a snake, walk away slowly and carefully.
    7. Avoid working around swampy areas after rain to avoid mosquitoes.
    8. There is a cream for insect bites in the First Aid kit.
  17. Evaluation and Reporting
    1. Familiarise yourself with the evacuation area for the site in case of an emergency.
    2. Familiarise yourself with the location of telephone numbers/forms for reporting hazards, incidents, injury, near misses and the numbers for emergency services (fire, police, ambulance) located near the first aid kit.