COTTON FARMING HEALTH AND SAFETY WE SHARE RESPONSIBILITY COTTON PICKING SAFETY INDUCTION Welcome to work cotton picking. We hope that you find your work here interesting and rewarding. The aim at picking time is to harvest the crop as safely, in the minimum number of days possible to maximise lint quality and grades. A team effort is required to keep pickers in- field for the maximum time each day, with the least amount of down- time. During picking, there are a large number of machines and people working together and may be operating in a relatively small, localised area. These machines include pickers, boll buggy and tractors, module builders, trucks, utilities, air compressors, loaders and forklifts. It is a very busy operation with noise, dust, heat and lights all impacting on health and safety. All care must be taken to avoid accidents, to watch out for machinery and people moving about during both day and night. The health and safety of all the people who work and live on our farm is vital and it is important you understand your Work Health and Safety responsibilities. We want you to also understand the commitment that we have made to ensure your health and safety, plus that of all others who work on this farm. 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 safety induction outlines some of the rules and guidelines that you are expected to follow when we are picking cotton. Please read this leaflet carefully and if you do not understand any section, please ask for an explanation. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 1
Matfield Holdings [xxxx company] 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 no people one is working injured at at work. Narrangullen 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 work injury and any serious near- misses or instances where a follow persons all safety health instructions or safety is given at risk. 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: Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 2
1. HAZARDS ON THE FARM Please find attached farm map. 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/ boggy areas Dry weather only roads Other... 2. BEING READY FOR EMERGENCIES AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION In the case of an emergency DIAL 000 (Triple Zero) for ambulance, fire brigade or police. An Emergency Plan and telephone numbers are located in the cabin of each picker, tractor and service vehicle. Address:...... (rural address) Directions:......... (clear directions from the nearest town) GPS Coordinates:... (latitude/ longitude to farm gate) First Aid kits are available:... People in this picking crew who are trained to provide First Aid are:... (name and contact phone number)... Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 3
(name and contact phone number) We use UHF Channel xxxx for communication and will change from farm to farm. Important phone numbers are: Farm Manager:... Picking Supervisor:... A fire extinguisher is available on all tractors, pickers and module builders. There is a water truck available to put out picker and module fires. Check they are full at the beginning of each day. 3. WORK CLOTHES You are expected to come to work dressed in suitable clothes that do not pose a safety risk. These include: Work boots with non- slip soles - suitable for work on farms. Trousers, work shorts or overalls. Reflective 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 for working outdoors. You are expected to wash your work clothes after each work day, especially when working with chemicals, grease, diesel and oil. Rain or wind jackets for work when its cold. Other:... 4. HYGEINE Good personal hygiene will help to reduce the risk of illness due to infection or contamination with chemicals (grease, fuel and oils) that you may be exposed. NO SMOKING inside buildings, farm vehicles or cabined machines. DO NOT SMOKE anywhere if you are involved in picking operations. Ensure that you wash your hands after working, 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 recently sprayed with pesticides. Never re- wear unwashed clothes that have been contaminated with pesticides. Keep up to date with your tetanus vaccinations. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 4
DO NOT consume, be in possession of or 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 e.g. asthma. This is very important if you need to take asthma medication. Other:... 5. 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: Farm work boots. 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 conditions. Welding helmets or goggles, gloves and other protective clothing when welding. A broad brimmed hat when working outdoors. Sunscreen applied on exposed skin. Wear a high visibility vest or reflective work clothing - especially at night. 6. FOOD AND WATER It is important to make sure that you have plenty of drinking water with you during the workday, at least a 10 L water bottle or more, especially in hot weather. Before setting out each day you must ensure that you also have enough 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. 7. FATIGUE During picking and working long hours you 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. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 5
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. 8. TRACTOR AND MACHINERY OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Before starting any tractor or machine at the beginning of the day 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. Before working under machinery you must ensure that the engine is turned off, the key removed and the machine is blocked and supported. If you have to leave 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. Always check the location of overhead powerlines when using and moving tall machinery. Do not use mobile phones (including ipods, iphones) when driving any tractor, operating any picker, module builder or other machinery. 9. COTTON PICKER SAFETY Hazards relate to being exposed to noise, dust, fire and falls; the risk of electrocution or being crushed or entangled in moving parts. DO NOT operate a cotton picker without authorisation or 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, baling chamber 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. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 6
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. For round bale pickers DISENGAGE and raise picker heads, turn the blower OFF, empty accumulator, manually wrap the bale then eject the burning bale. 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 unless the picker is fitted with a dicky seat. Slow down and drive slowly when turning or driving over rough or uneven ground. DO NOT move pickers with baskets raised or in dumping position. For round bale pickers, make sure they are moved into transport mode when overhead hazards are present. DO NOT raise picker baskets, dump or unload modules or raise baling chambers near overhead powerlines. DO NOT dump unless you first check and are certain that no one is near the basket, boll buggy, module builder or behind the tail of the round bale pickers. 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 or changing transport or service modes. Pickers 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. DO NOT attempt to kick through spindle blocks with heads engaged. Cleaning picker baskets DO NOT clean picker baskets while the picker is moving. Ensure basket extension is lowered before transporting between farms, for round bale pickers make sure transport mode has been engaged. Follow safe routes for pickers that have been established to avoid powerlines and/ or tight corners around channels and crossings. Be aware of where overhead powerlines that cross the farm and some fields and head ditches/ crossings. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 7
10. MODULE BUILDER SAFETY Hazards relate to noise, falls, dust, crushing, fire, sunburn, ruptured hydraulic hoses and electrocution. STOP ENGINES and LOCK OUT hydraulics before getting in or servicing module builders. NEVER get inside a builder while the tramper is operating or while the tramper is in automatic mode. DO NOT OPERATE unguarded machinery. NEVER walk over or near moving parts, especially PTO shafts. 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 fuel, hydraulic oil, water and fan belts on tractors and motors at the start of each day. NO SMOKING OR NAKED FLAMES WHEN FUELING UP. Grease only when module builder is stopped and engine is switched off, hydraulic pressure is neutralised and the key removed; i.e. no pressure or moving parts. Check tramper for loose wheel nuts, oil leaks, other damage or faults and report any problems immediately to your supervisor or manager. The tractor must only be started with the operator sitting in the operator s seat. Safety equipment (including dust masks, safety goggles, hearing protection) is supplied and MUST be worn when they are needed. Ear plugs or earmuffs MUST be worn at all times when operating the module builder or where there is loud noise (i.e. if you have to raise your voice to be heard from 1 m away). Report all oil leaks and hydraulic hose faults to workshop or manager. Their immediate repair will prevent high pressure hydraulic oil 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 module 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. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 8
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 module 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. 11. MODULE TARPING Avoid tarping in high or gusty wind conditions. Use a ladder where necessary to help tarp modules. If you have to tarp modules in windy conditions ask or get help to prevent injury. Make sure the tramper is out of the builder, the engine is turned off an key removed with hydraulics locked before getting into a builder to place tarp ropes or rolling out tarps. 12. VEHICLE SAFETY A maximum speed limit of 80 kmh will be adhered to unless otherwise sign posted. No unregistered vehicles or farm machinery is allowed on public roads without the necessary public road permits. No farm vehicles are allowed off the farm without the permission and supervision of management. All drivers are to have a current drivers licence. DO NOT ride on the back of utes. Seat belts must always be worn when travelling around the farm. DO NOT use mobile phones while driving. 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 during wet weather. A speed limit of 20 kmh is to be strictly observed near any machinery i.e. pickers, module builders, tractors, earthmoving equipment and module lifting equipment. All mobile plant and other farm machinery has the right of way at all times. Park vehicles well away from operating machinery, in particular earthmoving and construction equipment and sites. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 9
Designated car parks are to be used at all times i.e. office, workshop and living quarters. 13. QUADS AND MOTORBIKES You should: Read the rider s manual for any quad or motorcycle that you ride. A helmet MUST be worn for riding quads and motorbikes. Work or riding gloves may be needed. NO PASSENGERS are to be carried on quads. NO RIDERS UNDER 16 YEARS OLD operate quads. Wear suitable clothing including trousers and boots. Do not overload quads. 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. 14. LIVING QUARTERS Speed limits are restricted to 15 kmh around the homestead and other houses. Maintain houses and quarters facilities clean and tidy. Place all rubbish in bins or in the rubbish dump. 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. Report all faults and safety hazards to the farm manager. NO SMOKING inside the quarters or building. It is the rule for the kitchen, dining, lounge areas and bedrooms. There are designated smoking areas 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. Theft or intentional damage to other people s goods or equipment will not be tolerated and may result in instant dismissal and being reported to the police. The farm becomes a restricted area and is 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 controlling the spread of cotton plant diseases and weeds. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 10
15. FIRE SAFETY Cotton is highly flammable. Fire can be caused by smoking, mechanical failure and self combustion. NO SMOKING on or near picking equipment or near module presses or completed modules. Smoking is not permitted in the field or when operating any machinery during picking. Picker and module press operators MUST ensure fire extinguishers are fitted and kept full on 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 and dump cotton in the paddock or away from modules. A fire will not take off in a field of unpicked cotton. Try and dump downwind. Module Builders - if smoke or fire is detected in a module builder, immediately apply water then pull builder off module as quickly as you can. Notify the manager or supervisor as soon as possible. Cotton should not be picked when the moisture content is above 12%. The farm manager will determine when to stop picking. 16. 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 will be 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 appropriate measures can be put in place. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 11
NO SMOKING - No person is permitted to smoke in any building, vehicle, tractor or other mobile plant. 17. SEXUAL HARRASMENT Sexual harassment will not be tolerated in any form. Sexual harassment falls into three broad categories: acts of physical intimacy, ranging from familiar touching to coercive sexual acts of a criminal nature; demands for sexual favours; and various forms of communication with sexual content, i.e. sexual jokes, sexual suggestions and innuendo, displays or erotic pictures, calendars and magazines, non- verbal communication such as gesturing, leering, staring or wolf whistles, anonymous telephone calls or letters. Any person found to be sexually harassing any other member of staff will be instantly dismissed. Anyone who genuinely feels they are being harassed is encouraged to quickly come forward and report it. If anyone knows someone else is being harassed they should also report it. There is a commitment from management that no- one s job will suffer as a result of a genuine complaint of sexual harassment. The matter will be dealt with confidentially without repercussion to the informant. 18. SNAKES Snakes are found in cotton fields, around irrigation crossings and 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, place a firm pad over the bite, bandage securely and keep the limb as still as possible. Use radio and phones to get help quickly. 19. INJURY REPORTING We are required by law to keep records of all work injury, including major near miss incidents. Please find attached an example of this record. Please report all work injury. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 12
20. GENERAL Keep vehicles, tractors, cotton pickers, module presses and other mobile plant and equipment clean. Clean operator s platforms and cabins at the end of each shift. The Work Health and Safety law requires that all businesses provide a safe workplace with safe work systems. All workers are to: follow all safety directions given to them ensure they work safely, take care of their health, and not cause injury to other people in the workplace participate in the business safety program report all safety hazards and serious near miss incidents report all serious work injury 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. NO SMOKING - Picking is a 100% Smoke Free Zone. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 13
The safety of people takes precedence over all other considerations especially when we are under pressure!! Declaration: Workers (employees/ contractors) Name: Print I have read the Work 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/ Employee/ Contractor 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. Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety Cotton Picking Safety Induction 14