Working Environment
Working environment safety covers the conditions people work in on a dairy farm — the physical environment, facilities, psychosocial hazards, injury management and emergency response. A well-set-up farm is safer, more comfortable and a better place to work.
The five areas
1. Physical environment hazards
Noise, dust, heat, cold and UV exposure. For sun and UV, see Cancer Council's SunSmart at work guidance; for working in heat, see SafeWork NSW's heat-related illness information.
2. Facilities for people
Clean, accessible facilities support health and dignity at work. Safe Work Australia's model code on managing the work environment and facilities sets out what is reasonably practicable.
3. Psychosocial hazards
Work-related stress, fatigue, harassment, bullying and violence. Safe Work Australia's guide to preventing and responding to workplace bullying is a maintained reference, and the Farm workplace policies page covers the related policies.
4. Injury management
Health monitoring, injury reporting and compensation, and clear safety communication. The incident-reporting templates on the Starting out page support this.
5. Emergency response
Emergency response plans, facilities and equipment. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). For climate-related risks such as heat and fire, see Issues and Emergencies.
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Common questions
What does working environment safety cover?
Five areas: physical environment hazards (noise, dust, heat, cold and UV), facilities for people, psychosocial hazards, injury management, and emergency response.
Is a farm legally required to manage the working environment?
Yes. Work health and safety regulations require a farm to assess and manage the health and safety risks associated with its working environment.
What are psychosocial hazards on a farm?
Work-related factors that can harm mental health — such as workplace stress, fatigue, harassment, bullying and violence. They are managed as part of WHS, alongside the farm's workplace policies.
How should a farm handle an on-farm emergency
Have an emergency response plan, facilities and equipment in place, and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Climate-related risks such as heat and fire are part of that planning.