BayG.A.P. SERVICE PROGRAM MODULE 1
Step 2:
Determine who/what might be harmed and how:
Along all detected hazards, you should clarify who or what might be harmed to derive the best ways
of managing the corresponding risk – in doing so, bare in mind:
• Each farming activity holds specific prerequisites, (e.g. harvesting).
• Not only daily situations but also exceptional situations may occur where persons (e.g. visitors)
are unaware of the workplace and possible incidents/accidents as well as potential hazards.
(e.g. situations, equipment and machinery, products and substances, practices, etc.).
• Ask family members or subordinates (if applicable) for their evaluation. By this, you can collect
additional aspects not obvious to you due to different daily routines.
• Check manuals, guidelines and/or labels for chemicals and equipment, as they hold key
information clarifying hazards and understanding risks.
Be clear about who or what might be harmed.
Step 3:
Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions:
After having spotted the hazards, you have to develop a plan on how to deal with them. Law generally
requires incorporating everything ‘reasonably practicable’ to protect people from harm. The easiest
way here is to check the status against given good practices. So first, check what is already done at
your farm in terms of controls in place and how work is done. Afterwards, match this with available
good practices. Check if you can improve operations. If so, you should update yourself to the standard.
Within this process ask yourself:
• Can I get rid of present hazards?
• If not, how can given risks be minimized to avoid harm?
To reduce risk, use the principles below starting from the top:
• Try a less risky option (e.g. switch to less hazardous chemicals);
• Block access to hazards (e.g. by locking chemicals away);
• Rearrange work/tasks so that hazard exposure is minimized;
• Use and advise on PPE (e.g. footwear, masks, gloves, etc.); and
• Install first aid boxes and washing facilities to treat contaminations.
Do something about hazards: decide on precautions.
Improving health and safety is not a costly thing. For instance, placing a mirror on a dangerous
blind corner to help preventing vehicle accidents is a low-cost precaution considering the risks.
Failure to take simple precautions can cost you a lot more if an accident occurs.
Involve your family and staff (if applicable) to assure that precautions are effectively in practice and
won’t create new hazards.
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