Farm Hazards

All contractors and visitors to the farm must either sign in and out using the link above, or at the weighbridge on the paper form, or by text to James on 027 220 4600 when arriving and leaving. The exception is if your vehicle fleet is tracked by GPS and you are visiting regularly.

Contractor's health and safety documents can be forwarded to health.safety@sscontracting.co.nz

Please read all General Hazards below and the Hazard Map then read the hazards for the relevant work areas below before you commence work.  

Click here for Workshop Hazards

If you are going to be using Scott Simpson Contracting machinery please read about the Vehicle and Machinery Hazards and ensure you receive the appropriate training for the particular machine.

All hazards are subject to change and where possible those changes will be updated on this site and existing contractors notified. However, care must be taken at all times as this is not an exhaustive list. Expect the unexpected and report any incidents or accidents. We will investigate incidents in order to find ways to prevent them happening again. The policies you read here are often the results of previous accidents and incidents including some on this farm. To encourage full and open reporting we operate a 'just culture' where investigations not used to inform disciplinary procedures unless malice is involved. Please also report any changed or new hazards you may notice. You can do so anonymously by clicking here if you prefer. We are open to all suggestions how to make the farm safer.

General Hazards

• Airstrip - look both ways before entering the airstrip at Phil Brown's. If aircraft are on approach, or are running at the top of the strip then remain clear of the strip. Never leave anything on the airstrip - tools, parked vehicles etc.

• Aircraft - remain well clear of aircraft and especially clear of rotors and propellors. If there is a flashing light it may be about to start.

• Aviation fuel bowser - remain clear of bowser and underground tank.

• Steep and sometimes slippery slopes. High risk of slides and collision. If the paddocks are slippery use an alternative route or plan around the hazard. Avoid no-go areas. 

  • Cliffs edges and rock fall hazards particularly around quarry in Phil Brown's. Learn where in each paddock they are. 

  • Irrigation and rainfall will increase the risk of loss of control, particularly fixed grid which may have been running recently.

  • Use alternative routes if there is any possibility of loss of traction. Get out and walk if necessary.

  • Use two wheel motorbikes wherever possible as there is less risk if you fall off compared with other vehicles such as quads or side by sides.

  • Always consider what your options are if you were to start sliding. Maintain a run-out when on slopes. Risk is higher when there's a pond or waterway at the bottom.

  • Particular care is required in all paddocks at night or in other low visibility conditions.

  • Uneven, rough or soft and boggy ground. High risk of losing control, collision or roll-over. These hazards can be anywhere and develop any time. Report any holes or bogs to management to be fixed. 

  • Pivot ruts can develop which may cause loss of control or roll over.

  • Waterways - various ponds with soft bottoms present a high drowning risk, as does the Friston stream. Children under the age of eight are to be supervised directly by someone over the age of sixteen.

• Fire - high risk in vegetation, buildings. Note location of diesel and petrol tanks at the homestead yard, fire extinguishers and first aid kits at the weighbridge smoko room on the wall. High pressure water is available from irrigation offtakes during irrigation season and at the washdown pad

• Heavy machinery operating - particularly trucks and tractors. High risk of collision. Keep left on lanes. Use rotating beacon if fitted.

• Other workers are a hazard at all times. Their actions may put you at high risk in many ways and vice versa. Communicate. Maintain low speeds, keep an eye out and expect other people to be around.

• Manual Handling - medium risk of lifting injury. Use two people to lift weights over 25kg, except for calves which are safer to handle on your own due to awkward shape. 

• Blind corners and rises. High risk. Keep left, keep to speed limit. 

• Noise hazards - medium risk of hearing loss. Chainsaws, lawn mowers, power tools, tractors without cabs and other equipment exceed the safe level of noise. Hearing protection must be worn if using any loud equipment.

• Chemical hazard - high explosive, fire, corrosive and toxic risks. Storage of hazardous substances in chemical shed at the yard. SDS and inventory available here soon.

  • Store chemicals in original containers with warning labels showing.

  • Avoid contact with chemicals - particularly hormone treatments, anthelmintics and herbicides when pregnant.

  • Use PPE: nitrile gloves, mask, safety glasses, cotton overalls and gumboots.

• Animals. Particularly hazardous when handling in cattle yards - high crushing and kicking risk. When working in the yards be aware of slippery and boggy surfaces. The yards have been altered to reduce these risks but it can't be eliminated. Follow Worksafe guidance. Be firm but quiet when working with animals, have an escape route, keep clear of kicking range and expect them to turn on you at any time.

• Bulls. Maintain escape routes and always keep an eye on the bulls when working with them.

• Children may be present at any place on the farm and must never be alone. If children are found alone then alert the parents immediately. High risk.

• Public Roads - the farm is dissected by several high speed public roads which are known crash areas. 

  • Traffic on these roads presents a high collision risk. Follow road rules. Keep left and allow faster traffic past. Be aware of faster traffic catching up. 

  • Take care when pulling out with tractors as the front end loader protrudes in front. There is a particular blind spot coming out of Phil Brown's and also from the lease block onto Freeman's Rd when driving tractors with front end loaders. 

  • Stock on public roads is a high collision risk. Double check that stock are locked away at night. When shifting stock on the road use the signs, rotating beacons and enough staff. Notify council.

  • Ensure stock are well fed, watered and have good fence power to reduce risk of breakouts.

  • Sun strike is a problem on these roads.

• Electrical hazards - high electrocution risk. Remain 4m clear of overhead wires. Ensure you have clearance before driving under any wires. Take particular care to avoid hitting power poles in paddocks due to automation complacency when using auto-steer.

  • Enquire with management over location of underground cables before digging. Note: cables may be anywhere within the width of the trench they were laid in. Browse the Network Waitaki site for public cable location and more safety info.

• High pressure water - medium injury risk. All irrigation infrastructure is high pressure, is often buried and often associated with electrical hazards and made of conductive materials. Always isolate electricity and pressure before working on infrastructure.

  • Steam cleaner - highly hazardous due to hot water under high pressure powered by mains electricity and heated with diesel. Do not expose other people or yourself to the hot water stream. Be aware of hot water. Wear appropriate safety boots so that water cannot contact your skin. Use an RCD if using with a generator or outdoors. Keep the electric cord on the opposite side from the wash area and keep it dry. Check electrical cord and hoses for faults before operating - water and electricity don't mix.

  • Automated irrigation systems which may start at any time. Low risk. Don't park anything on pivot tracks or in the way of the travelling irrigators. 

  • Overground pipework - particularly k-line hoses. High risk of falling off two wheelers. Ride slowly and keep an eye out.

  • Hard Hose gun hydrants are particularly hazardous when operating. Take care to ensure the arms remain locked while opening the valve.

• Fire extinguishers - while these are a safety feature they are also highly pressurised gas cylinders. To be handled with care. These will be maintained every five years as per law. Medium risk.

• Water troughs - sometimes in the middle of a paddock. Learn the location of each trough. Medium risk. Drive slowly.

• Composting pile or dead hole - dead animals may harbour pathogens. Remain in tractor cabin when burying cows. Hose down bucket when finished. Don't dig into compost manually without PPE. Low risk.

• Fire arms - high shooting risk. Follow seven rules of firearm safety. Only licensed shooters to operate firearms and only with permission. 

• Electric Fences - low electrocution risk. Ensure visitors don't touch fences.

• Environmental hazards - weather; sun, rain, snow, visibility, wind, electrical storms. Wear appropriate clothing, use sun block. High risk.

• Bale stacks - may be unstable and fall. Don't climb. Don't work near them unnecessarily. Care should be taken to ensure telehandlers don't stack bales higher than a tractor can safely retrieve the top layer.

• Hay barns - Particularly a risk for children climbing up and falling between.

• Silos - high risk of suffocation and falls. Do not enter full silo without tethering and a rescue plan. Only enter silos if someone is outside who can retrieve you without endangering themselves. Never climb silo ladders without climbing harness, heights training and a buddy system.

• Augers - high risk of entanglement. Keep limbs clear when in use. Turn tractor off if you need to put limbs inside - for example if it needs unblocked. Don't wear loose clothing.