With the harvest season well underway and grain prices currently low, many farmers are opting to store grain on their properties in order to secure better returns in the future.

WorkCover work health and safety division general manager John Watson said this could introduce new risks to farmers and farm workers.

“Many farmers have turned to flat bed storage and bunkers with tarps to store excess grains from this, and last, harvest while they wait for prices to increase,” Mr Watson said.

“This storage method comes with inherent safety risks that farmers should be aware of.

“When tarping grain in a bunker and climbing on top of the pile, take caution to avoid becoming engulfed in the grain as this can lead to suffocation.

“Also be conscious of weather conditions because if the wind catches the tarp it can throw a farmer into the air.

This occurred just last year in Victoria with fatal consequences.

“Not working in isolation, having a rescue plan if someone becomes trapped and only tarping in safe weather conditions are vital for this type of work.”

Mr Watson said falls from heights, grain augers and working with chemicals were some of the other major risks farmers needed to consider.

“Eliminating or reducing the need for access to heights and ladders when working with silos is strongly recommended,” he said.

“We strongly encourage farmers to retrofit existing silos with ground-level working devices that can almost eliminate the need to climb silos.

“Chemicals are also an issue often not recognised.

“Farmers and farm workers can be exposed to hazardous fumigants when treating grain being loaded or unloaded from containers such as silos, field bins and flatbed storage.

“To prevent being overcome by fumes, farmers should wear respirators recommended by the supplier that conform to Australian Standard 1716 and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

“Many flat-bed silos and grain sheds may be fitted with sweep augers which have been involved in a number of accidents that have caused serious foot and hand injuries.

No-one should ever enter these silos without the auger isolated.”

WorkCover provides a range of free guidance material on how to reduce risks and improve safety on farms and rural workplaces.

To find out more about rural safety or for copies of guidance material call 13 10 50 or visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au