COTTON FARMING HEALTH AND SAFETY WE SHARE SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY COTTON PICKING SAFETY INDUCTION Welcome to work contract cotton picking. We hope that you find your work here interesting and rewarding. The health and safety of all the people who work and live on farms where we work is important and you understand your Work Health and Safety responsibility. We want you to also understand the commitment that we have made to ensure your health and safety, and the health and safety of all others who enter this workplace. Your safety is as much your responsibility as it is ours. If you feel that you cannot do a job safely, don t do it. Let your supervisor or the farm manager know about the problem, and we will work together to fix the problem or find a safe way to complete the job. All workplaces must have rules and guidelines to ensure that safe work practices are followed. This leaflet outlines some of the rules and guidelines that you are expected to follow on when we are working. Please read this leaflet carefully, and if you do not understand any section, please ask for an explanation.
Matfield Holdings Health and Safety Policy The health, safety and well-being of people working for us is important and we We will believe do all that is the reasonably health, safety practicable and well-being to ensure of that people they working are not at injured Narrangullen at work. Pty Ltd is important and we will do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure that they are not injured at work. We aim to have a business that is free of injury where people enjoy life and work. We aim to have a farm that is free of injury where people enjoy life and To work. help us achieve a safe workplace, we ask people working for us to: participate in our efforts to manage work health and safety To follow help us all achieve safety instructions a safe workplace, given and we to work ask safely people so working they are at not Narrangullen injured or Pty cause Ltd injury to: to other people report all safety hazards and risks they identify, and participate in our efforts to manage work health and safety report all injury or near-miss incidents where a persons health or follow safety all is safety at risk. instructions given and to work safely so they are not If injured you think or cause a job or injury machine to other is unsafe, people please tell us. Do not do a job if you think it is unsafe. report all safety hazards and risks they identify, and If you are unsure about how to do a job safety, please ask for help. report any near misses or instances where a team member s health or safety is being breached. Signed: Signed: Date: Date:
1. INTRODUCTION TO WORK PLACE HEALTH SAFETY The law requires that: The owner / manager provide a safe workplace and safe work systems. Workers take care for the health and safety of people at the workplace. To help us both meet these obligations, you are expected to advise the owner / manager of any safety hazard or problem that you come across. The law requires that the safety of visitors, contractors and other workers who enter this workplace is assured. You must look out for hazards to health and safety for family members and others who enter the farm, let us know. You are also required to cooperate and comply with our health and safety requirements to protect your own safety and the safety of others. Our farm embraces a WHS Policy that employees have the responsibility to follow. PCBU - Person Conducting Undertaking Business have responsibility for: Consulting with employees and contractors about WHS matters Providing a safe working environment Maintaining safe systems of work Providing relevant safety information, induction, training and supervision of workers Keeping relevant WHS records Protecting the health and safety of all other people who enter the workplace Workers and contractors have responsibility for: Participating in identifying and reporting of hazards and reporting any injuries All workers are to follow safety directions given to them Protecting the health and safety of themselves and others in the farm workplace Cooperating with the farm s WHS requirements Reporting hazards that require attention to ensure the health and safety of people in the workplace
2. HAZARDS ON THE FARM Please find attached farm maps. Marked on these farm maps you will find hazards that we have identified which may affect cotton picking or may be particularly hazardous to your work. These include: Powerlines Channels Dams Wet areas Dry weather only roads Other... 3. EMERGENCIES In the case of an emergency, dial TRIPLE ZERO 000 for ambulance, fire brigade or police. An Emergency Plan and telephone numbers are located in the cabin of each picker, tractor and service vehicle. You are responsible for the provision of emergency equipment on your machinery e.g. fire extinguishers, where required. A First Aid kit are located The people in this picking crew who are trained in First Aid are:...... 4. COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS We use UHF Channel for communication and will change from farm to farm. Important phone numbers are:...... Please supply your contact details to In case we need to contact you in an emergency.
If you need to contact the manager of this farm: Name: Phone (daytime): Phone (night time): Phone (mobile): Fax: Email: The people who are available to handle any questions that you have are: Name: Telephone: Position: 5. WORK CLOTHES You are expected to come to work dressed in suitable clothes that do not pose a safety risk. These include: Suitable work boots with non-slip soles for work on farms. Work overalls, trousers or work shorts. Long sleeved shirt (preferably), buttoned at the wrist, or rolled up so that no loose ends can be caught in machinery or protrusions. Shirts tucked into trousers, and no loose clothing that could be caught in machinery, including cords of jackets etc. A wide brimmed hat when working in direct sun. You are expected to wash your work clothes after each work day, especially when working with chemicals, grease, diesel and oil. Other... 6. HYGEINE Good personal hygiene will help to reduce the risk of illness due to infection or contamination with chemicals that you may be exposed. DO NOT smoke inside buildings, farm vehicles or cabined machines. Ensure that you wash your hands after working, handling pesticides, dogs or other animals; especially before eating or smoking.
Wash your work clothes regularly. You will need to wash them daily if you re working in areas that have been sprayed with pesticides. Never re-wear clothes that have been contaminated with pesticides. Keep up to date with your tetanus vaccinations. Not be in possession of, consume or be suffering the effects of alcohol or any illicit drug. Advise your manager of any prescribed medications that you need to take in work time or medical condition that can be affected by your work, eg asthma. This is very important if you need to take asthma medication. Other... 7. USE OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Protective clothing and equipment is provided for your protection. You must use these as instructed. Keep them clean and in good order. You must let the manager know if protective equipment is damaged, not available or if you are having difficulty using the equipment provided. Protective equipment includes: Ear muffs or plugs where loud noise is a problem, especially around module builders and air compressors. A helmet for head protection when riding motorbikes or quad bikes. A face mask or respirator when dust (including cotton lint) is a problem, or if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory condition. Welding helmets or goggles, gloves and other protective clothing when welding. A broad brimmed hat when working outdoors in the sun. Sunscreen on exposed skin when you are working outdoors. Wear a high visibility vest or reflective work clothing at night. 8. ADEQUATE FOOD AND WATER It is important to make sure that you have plenty of clean water with you during the workday, at least a 10 L water bottle, more especially in hot weather. Before setting out each day you must ensure that you also have plenty of food for smoko, lunch and tea breaks when working into the night. Water in irrigation channels and farm dams is NOT suitable for drinking. It may be contaminated by pesticides or animal waste.
9. FATIGUE During picking we are working long hours and can get tired, loose concentration and make mistakes. We are also working at night and need to take extra care. It is important to get a good night s sleep so that you don t get tired during the day. You are encouraged to take frequent short breaks to reduce fatigue during these busy times. Fatigue will increase the risk of accident and injury for operators of machinery as reflex times will be slowed and concentration lost. Let your supervisor or manager know when you are drowsy; get off the machine and take a short break. When working during the night it is especially important to remain alert. 10. TRACTORS, BOLL BUGGIES AND MACHINERY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Before starting any tractor or machine you must undertake a daily safety check. This includes checking the level of fuel, oil, water and transmission fluids; the condition of tyres, brakes and lights; checking that guards are not damaged and are in place. You should report any malfunction or condition likely to affect the safe operation of any machine that you cannot fix before using it. This includes guards that are damaged or missing or exposed moving parts of machines causing a safety hazard. When leaving a machine with the engine running, you must ensure that all equipment is disengaged and the machine is in PARK. Whenever you remove a guard to undertake maintenance, or to clear a blockage, you must replace that guard after finishing the repair or before restarting the machine. Before working under machinery you must ensure that the machine is adequately blocked and supported. Always check the location of overhead powerlines when using and moving tall machinery. Do not use mobile phones when operating or driving any tractor, picker, module builder or machinery. 11. PICKER SAFETY Hazards relate to noise, dust, fire, falls, electrocution, being crushed or entangled in moving parts. Do not operate a picker without being familiar with the Operator s Manual, hazards and safety controls. DO NOT WORK UNDER ANY UNSUPPORTED PICKER HEADS, BASKETS OR MACHINERY. ALWAYS use basket and picker head locks when raising them to work under or clear rear door blocks.
NEVER attempt to kick or clear spindle head blockages with your boot - that is how serious injuries occur. Use the spindle nut spanner to rotate the disengaged drum and free the blockage. Consult the operator s manual and seek assistance from your supervisor if needed. Never attempt to remove an obstruction unless drums are disengaged and gear shift is in PARK. In the event that there is a fire in the basket, DISENGAGE and raise picker heads, turn the blower OFF, DUMP cotton immediately. DO NOT dump into wind. DO NOT attempt to extinguish burning cotton in basket until out of the field. Do not operate the picker with more than one person (the operator) on the machine. Slow down and drive slowly when turning, driving over rough ground. Do not move pickers with baskets raised or in dumping position. Do not raise picker baskets or dump near overhead powerlines. Do not dump unless you first check and are certain that no one is near the basket, boll buggy or module builder. When dumping ensure the picker is not on a slope. Always turn machine off and check for any naked flame or sparks before refuelling. To help prevent blockages, always engage blower fan before engaging picker heads. Ear plugs and dust masks are provided for when leaving the cab. Ensure all persons are clear before raising or lowering basket. Picker must be stationary and out of gear when ground crew approach picker to clean screens, heads, doors, doffers or moisture pads. When a picker drum chokes, disengage all heads and shutoff the engine. Wait until all parts have stopped moving, and then remove the blockage. Cleaning picker baskets do not clean picker baskets while the picker is moving. Ensure basket extension is lowered before transporting between farms. Follow safe routes for pickers have been established to avoid powerlines and/ or tight corners around channels and crossings. Be aware of overhead powerlines which cross farms and some cotton fields. 12. MODULE BUILDERS Hazards relate to noise, falls, dust, crushing, fire, sunburn, ruptured hydraulic hoses and electrocution. Never get inside a builder while the tramper is operating or while the tramper is in automatic mode.
DO NOT OPERATE unguarded machinery. especially PTO shafts. NEVER walk over or near moving parts, DO NOT and NEVER allow anyone to walk along the top edge of the module builder. The risk of falling off the builder onto the ground or crush injury is too great. Check engine and hydraulic oil, water and fan belts on tractors and motors at the start of each day. Fuel up daily. NO SMOKING OR NAKED FLAMES WHEN FUELING UP. Grease only when module builder is stopped and engine is switched off and hydraulic pressure is neutralised; ie no pressure or moving parts. Check tramper for loose wheel nuts, oil leaks, other damage or faults and report and problems immediately to your supervisor or manager. The tractor must only be started from the sitting position in the operator s seat. Safety equipment (dust masks, safety goggles) are supplied and MUST be worn when they are needed. Ear plugs or earmuffs MUST be worn at all times when operating the module builder. Persons working on or around builders are requested to use adequate sunscreen and wear wide brimmed hats to prevent sunburn. Shirts and sturdy footwear are to be worn at all times. Report all oil leaks and potential hydraulic hose problems to workshop or manager. Their immediate repair will prevent hydraulic hose related injuries NEVER allow anyone to ride on the tramper. DO NOT STAND OR WORK UNDER RAISED TRAMPERS. Place tramper at front or rear of module builder when a picker is dumping. Only the operator is allowed on the module builder during operation. Never move or operate the tramper whilst somebody is still in the module builder. Never release or open the back door before ensuring everybody is well clear. Check that all people are clear before raising and lowering wheels Always put locking pins in wheels before transporting or moving builders. BE AWARE OF OVERHEAD POWERLINES. DO NOT try to lower the tramper ram without being shown and demonstrate how to correctly lower the ram. Collapse and lower tramper ram when transporting builder between farms and/ or near overhead powerlines. Ensure safe routes for builder transport has been established to avoid powerlines and/or tight corners around channels and crossings.
Beware of the movements of all ground staff and other vehicles. 13. MODULE TARPING Avoid tarping in high or gusty wind conditions. If you have to tarp modules in windy conditions ask or get help to prevent injury. Make sure the monkey is out of the builder and the builder is off before getting into a builder or rolling out tarps. 14. VEHICLE SAFETY A maximum speed limit of 80 kmh will be adhered to unless otherwise sign posted. Seat belts must be worn at all times when travelling around the farm. Keep vehicle doors closed at all times. Drivers should stay on designated roads at all times and not take any unauthorised shortcuts. Wherever possible, avoid using black soil roads when wet. A speed limit of 20 kph is to be strictly observed near any machinery i.e pickers, module presses, tractors, earthmoving equipment and module yard equipment. All mobile plant and other farm machinery has the right of way at all times. No unregistered vehicles are allowed on public roads without the necessary legal permits. No vehicles are allowed of the farm without the permission and supervision of management. Park vehicles well away from operating machinery, in particular earthmoving and construction equipment and sites. Designated car parks are to be used at all times i.e. office, workshop and living quarters. Keep vehicles, tractors, cotton pickers, module presses and other mobile plant and equipment clean and tidy. Clean operator s platforms and cabins at the end of each shift. There may be children living on this farm. Their safety must be a high priority. Please be careful when driving vehicles or machinery, DO NOT reverse without checking for children. Children and visitors are not permitted to ride on tractors or other farm machinery.
15. QUADS AND MOTORBIKES You should: Read the rider s manual for any motorcycle that you ride. Wear suitable clothing including tough trousers and boots. A helmet must be worn for riding quads and motorbikes. Work or riding gloves may be needed. Before starting work at the beginning of the day, refuel, check the tyres, guards and chain tension and check that the brakes are in good working order. NO PASSENGERS are to be carried on quads. Do not overload quads. 16. LIVING QUARTERS Speed limits are restricted to 15 kmh around the homestead and other houses. Maintain houses and quarters facilities in a neat, tidy and safe condition, place all rubbish in bins or in the dump. Report any hazards and/or faults to the farm manager. No Smoking inside the quarters. It is the rule for the kitchen, dining, lounge areas and bedrooms. There are designated smoking area outside. Have respect for other people s equipment and property. Remember, there may be children living on the farm. Within living areas, children have right of way. Children are naturally inquisitive and can sometimes pop up in unexpected places. Keep an eye out for them around the farm homestead and other dwellings. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated in any form. Theft or intentional damage to other people s goods or equipment will not be tolerated and may result in instant dismissal and reporting to local police. The farm becomes a restricted area and Out of Bounds outside of work hours. Permission must be obtained from the manager before travelling around work areas. This is essential not only for your and other people s safety, but also for security and cotton plant disease and weed control. No employee or visitor is to enter any other employee s room without their permission or consent. Disregard of others privacy and this rule may lead to dismissal.
17. SNAKES, SPIDERS AND BEES Snakes are found in cotton fields, around irrigation pipes, channels and syphons. Many snakes are poisonous. If you come across a snake, let it move away. If other workers are in the vicinity, let them know where the snake has moved. Most people are bitten chasing and / or trying to kill snakes. If bitten by a snake, apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bitten area, apply a second bandage commencing at the fingers or toes and wind up as far as possible, immobilise the limb with a splint, and keep the limb as still as possible. Use the communication system to get help urgently. If bitten by a red back spider, cold compress to relieve pain, do not bandage, observe for any signs of deterioration. Seek doctor advice for any further treatment. If bitten by a funnel web spider, same treatment as for snake bites: apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bitten area. Use the communication system to get help urgently. If a tick has burrowed under the skin remove with fine tweezers by grasping behind the head and removing carefully by pulling straight out ensuring the entire body is removed. Seek doctor advice for any further treatment. For Bee s or scorpion sting, Remove the stinger, cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. If onset of allergic reaction: apply pressure immobilisation bandage and call ambulance. 18. FIRE SAFETY Cotton is highly flammable. Fire can be caused by smoking, mechanical failure and self combustion. Strictly No Smoking on or near picking equipment or near module presses or completed modules. Smoking is not permitted in the field or operating any machinery during picking. Cotton should not be picked when the moisture content is above 12%. The farm manager will determine when picking should cease. Picker and module press operators are to ensure fire extinguishers are fitted and charged to their machines at all times. Make sure the fire cart (water truck) is near the paddock when picking. All employees are to remain alert for the sight or smell of smoke. Apply water immediately and notify the manager or supervisor as soon as possible. Pickers and Boll Buggies - if a picker operator detects smoke or fire on picker or boll buggy, turn the blower off, move picker to a safe area and dump cotton on ground. Try to dump downwind. Module Builders - if smoke or fire is detected in module builder, immediately apply water then pull builder off module as quickly as you can. Notify the manager or supervisor as soon as possible.
19. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL We maintain the right to refuse work to any person who in our opinion is unfit to perform their work safely. All workers who report for work must not be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other conditions that can endanger their own safety or the safety of any other person in the workplace. We also expect that workers remain alert and maintain an acceptable level of attention and performance throughout the working day. To assist in these requirements, you, all other employees, contractors and visitors shall observe that: No alcohol shall be consumed or permitted on farm or in the quarters. No illegal/ illicit drugs shall be consumed or permitted on site at any time or under any circumstance. If, in the opinion of the manager an employee is at any time in an unfit state to work safely, they may be assigned more appropriate alternate duties or taken home. Employees who are taking prescription medication prescribed by a registered medical doctor that may affect their ability to operate machinery or otherwise work safely are strictly required to immediately inform the manager of the circumstances and conditions of their medication so as appropriate measures can be put in to place. NO SMOKING - No person is permitted to smoke in any building, vehicle, tractor or other mobile plant or around modules or cotton fields. 20. INJURY REPORTING We are required by law to keep farm injury register on this farm, all injuries are required to be reported to the supervisor/farm manager. In the event a serious injury or illness, a death or dangerous incident the appropriate Work Health and Safety Authority must be immediately notified. You will find an Injury register form located at or contact the owner/manager
The safety of people takes precedence over all other considerations especially when we are under pressure!! Declaration: I have read the occupational health and safety instructions in this leaflet, discussed them with the manager and understand and accept my responsibilities. I agree to do what is required of me to ensure that the health and safety of all people is protected on this farm. Signed: Date: / / Worker Name: Print Signed: Date: / / Manager Name: Print DISCLAIMER This document does not, in any way, excuse a person from doing all that is reasonable to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. Legislative requirements vary between states and territories. Therefore, it is necessary to check with the relevant state or territory occupational health and safety authority for appropriate information.