Hazards
All contractors and visitors to the farm must either sign in and out using the button above, or at the dairy shed or by text message to Michael on 027 635 3086 when arriving and leaving. The exception is if your vehicle fleet is tracked by GPS and you are visiting regularly - i.e. Fonterra or other transport companies.
Contractor's health and safety documents can be forwarded to michael.j.win@gmail.com.
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 Lake Otuhie Station machinery please read about the Vehicle and Machinery Hazards and ensure you receive the appropriate training.
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
Bulls. Maintain escape routes and always keep an eye on the bulls when working with them.
Isolated Location - note areas on farm where cellphone reception is available in case of emergency calls.
Paturau River Bridge - don't exceed 4,000kg. Know your total weight before crossing.
River crossings - several fords on farm. These can flood after heavy rain and cause a high risk of drowning. Do not cross if the water is high or fast moving, even if as it will subside as quickly as it increased.
Steep and sometimes slippery slopes. High risk of slides and collision. If the tracks are slippery use a quad bike or tractor rather than ute, or two wheeler if attempting a slope. Avoid known soft areas.
Fire - medium risk in vegetation, buildings. Note location of diesel and petrol tanks, fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
Heavy machinery operating - particularly trucks and tractors. High risk of collision. Keep left on tracks. Use rotating beacon if fitted.
Other workers 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, 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 workshop, diesel tank and petrol tank. SDS and inventory available by clicking here.
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. 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.
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 of becoming lost in the bush or drowning.
Tractor wheels - store laying flat on a pallet or timber to keep it off the ground but unable to fall on children.
Any heavy objects that may fall on people need to be secured - post drivers, workshop shelves, mole ploughs etc.
Public Roads - the farm access is along a narrow and winding road which is known for accidents. Keep left and drive slowly.
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 and notify council.
Electrical hazards - high electrocution risk. Remain 4m clear of overhead wires. Ensure you have clearance before driving under any wires.
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. Check with the lines company before excavating near lines.
Uneven, rough or soft and boggy ground. Old stumps. High risk of losing control, collision or roll-over. These hazards can be anywhere and develop any time. Be particularly alert to these hazards until you get to know the farm properly.
Waterways - various fenced and unfenced ponds and streams with soft bottoms present a high drowning risk, as does the Paturau River. Children under the age of eight are to be supervised directly by someone over the age of sixteen.
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.
Tape gates - on springs which can cause wire hooks to dig into flesh or eyes if released dangerously. Release carefully. Low risk.
Fire arms - high shooting risk. Follow seven rules of firearm safety. Only licensed shooters to operate firearms and trained operators to use bolt gun. Michael to be notified of all hunting activity to prevent different parties hunting in the same areas.
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 and keep hydrated. High risk.
Bale stacks - may be unstable and fall. Don't climb. Don't work near them unnecessarily.
Hay barn - Particularly a risk for children climbing up and falling between.