Health and Safety

All contractors and visitors to the farms must either sign in and out using the link above, or at the dairy shed on the paper form, or by text to Leanne on 027 345 8266 when arriving and leaving. The exception is if your vehicle fleet is tracked by GPS and your company is tracking you.

Contractor's health and safety documents to be forwarded to leanne@matsingerberryfarm.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.

If you are going to be using 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

• Steep and sometimes slippery and unstable slopes - including on lanes. High risk of slides and collision. If the lanes are slippery use a quad bike or tractor rather than ute or two wheeler if attempting a slope.

  • Irrigation and rainfall will increase the risk of loss of control.

  • Use alternative routes if there is any possibility of loss of traction.

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

  • Always consider what your options are if you were to start sliding. Maintain a run-out when on slopes.

  • Some paddocks have steep drops - particular care is required in all paddocks at night or in other low visibility conditions. New drop offs and holes can develop after rain.

  • 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. 

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

• Irrigation hydrants - collision and high pressure hazard.

• Fire - high risk in vegetation and buildings. Irrigation offtakes can be used as a firefighting water source.

• Heavy machinery operating - particularly trucks and tractors. High risk of collision. Keep left on roads. 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, 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. SDS available by clicking here.

  • Store chemicals in original containers with warning labels showing. Do not put chemicals into food containers.

  • 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.

• 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 borders McPhee Rd, Ridge Rd and State Highway 83 (Georgetown-Pukeuri Rd).

  • Traffic on the road 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.

  • 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.

• Electrical hazards - high electrocution risk. Remain 4m clear of overhead wires, particularly with telehandlers, excavators towing augers and front end loaders. Ensure you have clearance before driving under any wires. Look up and live.

  • 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 and is often buried. Always isolate pressure before working on infrastructure.

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

• Fire extinguishers - while these are a safety feature they are also highly pressurised gas cylinders. To be handled with care. These are to 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 elastic cord which can cause wire hooks to dig into flesh or eyes if released dangerously. Release carefully. Use safer design for future handles. Low risk.

• Offal - 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 with permission to operate firearms, and only trained operators to use bolt gun.

• 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.

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

Click Here to see the Hazard Map.