What is a safety audit? It is a management tool to identify areas that require corrective action on your farm or in your workplace. These can be as small as the lack of a first-aid kit, or larger, such as replacing a safety guard on a PTO. This audit is very in-depth and looks at all areas of the operation.
The Ministry of Labour requires you to inspect your workplace monthly and to keep track of any new problem areas and any areas that have been fixed. This should be conducted by a management team member or by the health and safety representative on your farm.
Here are five tips for a good safety audit:
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Create or find an audit that encompasses all areas of your farm. There are many available online; it is a good idea to take a combination of many to make sure nothing gets missed.
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Don’t forget the small stuff. There are many aspects of the farm to consider, and sometimes we forget the basics: Are there fire extinguishers? Do you have an eye wash station?
Are there things blocking an exit? Are hazardous areas identified with visible signage? Are the respirators in good condition?
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Write it down. Walking through the farm and seeing issues is the first step, but recording these issues is important to track improvements, create action plans and notify staff of any issues. Note the date the issue was identified and when you completed the corrective action.
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Talk to your staff. Notify them of the issues to ensure they are aware of them until a solution has been implemented.
- Create an action plan of corrective actions and stick to it. Once you identify the issues, it’s important to solve them. Some will be easy, like posting signs, and others will be more time-consuming and difficult. Having prioritized goals will keep you on track.
Important areas to look at include livestock housing, chemical storage, hay storage, feed storage, equipment, machine shops, milking parlour/area, silos and the surrounding property.
Farm safety audits can feel daunting at first, but over time the list of corrective actions will decrease and they will become part of a normal routine. Ensure your staff understands that safety is a priority and it is OK for them to notify you of any new issues and that you will address these concerns promptly.
The Ministry of Labour mandates that safety is an internal responsibility – everyone is responsible for identifying safety. If an inspector arrives at your farm, emphasize your internal responsibility system.
Like caring for your animals, you need to care for your staff. A happy and safe barn is an important part of getting safe food to the table. 
Michelle Linington is with My Farm HR and Safety Coach, a service of People Management Group.
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Cheryl DeCooman
- President
- People Management Group Inc.
- Email Cheryl DeCooman
