From spraying crops to treating livestock, most farms use hazardous chemicals as part of day-to-day operations. While these substances are often essential, they may come with serious health and safety risks, especially if they’re not handled or managed correctly.
One of the biggest concerns with chemicals like pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides is that the effects of exposure aren’t always immediate. Repeated exposure can lead to irritation, respiratory problems, or even chronic illnesses. That’s why staying informed, using proper handling procedures, and keeping accurate chemical records is critical.
Simple Steps to Reduce Risk
Keeping yourself and your team safe starts with a few key measures:
- Assess each chemical for risk – consider its toxicity, use, and required controls.
- Implement safe handling and storage procedures.
- Use safer alternatives where available.
- Train your team on how to use, store, and dispose of chemicals safely.
- Keep chemicals in their original, clearly labelled containers.
- Wear the correct PPE as recommended in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Read and follow current SDSs and product labels.
- Stay updated on banned or restricted products.
- Communicate risks clearly with all workers and family members.
- Ensure that an Emergency eye wash/shower is available nearby when there is a risk of contact with hazardous chemicals.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms of exposure appear.
Managing Chemical Records Is Just as Important
Good chemical safety isn’t just about how chemicals are handled, it’s also about how they’re recorded. Under WHS laws, farms must keep a current Chemical Register with Safety Data Sheets and, where necessary, risk assessments for all hazardous substances onsite.
Our Shield system makes this easy:
- Instantly generate SDSs and draft chemical risk assessments.
- Record and update chemicals straight from your phone, even on-site.
- Store everything digitally,no binders or spreadsheets required.
It’s a simple way to reduce risk, stay compliant, and make safety part of everyday farm life. At ProcessWorx, we are committed to helping farms strengthen their Work Health & Safety practices. If you’d like to learn how ProcessWorx can assist with Human Resources or Work Health & Safety, please contact us on 08 9316 9896 or enquiries@processworx.com.au. Also watch an Introduction to ProcessWorx.
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