Safety Checklist: Emergency Response

The best way to avoid a farm accident is to stop a safety hazard before it starts. That's why it's important to conduct structured safety audits on a regular basis. The use of a safety audit as a management tool can minimize the risk of injuries and maximize your productivity and profitability.

Keep in mind that family members are usually the first on the scene. That's why it's so important to have a communication plan in place and emergency numbers posted in all areas. It may help to practice the procedures to help you better handle the pressures of a real crisis situation. 

Emergency services are available to respond to a situation as quickly as possible, but rural rescues may be more challenging than in town. Many agricultural incidents happen in isolated locations, such as in fields with limited accessibility. Be sure to have a map of the buildings on your farm posted in a visible place, to help emergency personnel locate someone in danger faster.

Take a look at this three-step self-audit on "Emergency Response On Your Farm." The checklist starts with a review of 'physical conditions,' followed by a look at 'work practices.' Even if you find your farm is up to par on these safety standards, the process serves as a good reminder of what to keep an eye out for. (Download a more detailed farm safety checklist.)

Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3:

Step 1: Inspect and Identity Hazards
Use the checklists provided to assist you during your inspection. Read the rationale above the checklist to help prepare your mind to detect hazards and to assist you to classify the hazard as critical, serious, or minor.

Step 2: Assess Risk
Where you have identified a hazard, prioritize it as a high, moderate, or low risk. A high risk is one that can result in fatality or injury causing permanent disability or extensive property damage; moderate risk can cause injury requiring medical aid; and low risk can result in minor injury requiring first aid.

Step 3: Take Action to Correct
Establish your priorities for action, and decide what corrective action to take. Start an action plan by selecting a target date for the completion of each correction.