Creating a safe and healthy workplace is one of the most important investments any agricultural business can make. Every season brings new opportunities to strengthen safety practices and improve operational efficiency. One of the most effective tools available to producers is the Hierarchy of Controls – a practical framework that helps businesses manage workplace risks effectively.
The Hierarchy of Controls reminds us that the best safety solutions are often those that address hazards at their source or root cause, rather than relying solely on workers to protect themselves. The Hierarchy of Controls is not simply a compliance requirement; it is a valuable tool for continuous improvement. By focusing on higher-level controls wherever possible, producers can reduce incidents, improve worker wellbeing, enhance productivity, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible farming practices. Every step taken to improve safety contributes to a stronger workplace culture. Whether it is investing in safer equipment, improving procedures, or providing effective training, these actions show workers that their well-being matters.
If we look at the most common findings that were raised over the last audit period, we can identify the following:
- Management can support PPE compliance by providing all required PPE at no cost to employees, ensuring that employees have the necessary equipment to perform their duties safely and in accordance with legal requirements. If PPE is damaged by an employee, the employer may deduct the cost of the PPE from the employee’s allowance under the heading’ damage and losses’.
- Employees should receive appropriate training on the correct use, care, and limitations of PPE. Maintaining training records will demonstrate compliance and help ensure PPE is used effectively. One can keep a register of when training occurred and perhaps also set up easy-to-access guidelines for PPE in the workplace to ensure proper use of PPE is adhered to.
- During the audit, opportunities were identified to improve PPE availability and condition. Ensuring that all employees have access to suitable, functional PPE will support compliance with the OHS Act and promote a safer working environment.
- Supervisors and employees should be encouraged to view PPE as an essential safety requirement. Reinforcing PPE expectations through site rules, procedures, and ongoing awareness initiatives will help strengthen the organisation’s safety culture.
- Employee interviews highlighted an opportunity to enhance awareness and understanding of PPE requirements. Additional training and practical demonstrations can help ensure employees are confident in the correct use of PPE and understand its importance in maintaining workplace safety.
We know that responsibility does not lie solely with the employer, but also with the employees. Here are a few examples where employees can fall short, and which can be included in the training provided:
- Not wearing PPE when required.
- Wearing PPE incorrectly.
- Failing to report damaged PPE.
- Sharing PPE with other employees.
- Removing PPE because it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
- Ignoring training and workplace safety procedures.
What does PPE look like in practice
Each activity can have a risk, and each risk is unique to that activity. Thus, certain PPE is used for certain activities; in some cases, performing different activities requires two different types of PPE. Here are some common hazards and the PPE that can be used for these hazards:
- Hard hats for falling hazards.
- Safety glasses or face shields for flying particles or chemical splashes.
- Respirators for dust, fumes, or hazardous chemicals.
- Safety boots for impact, puncture, or slip hazards.
- Hearing protection in high-noise environments.
Because PPE is the last line of defence against risk, during audits, they emphasise sourcing and employers’ adherence to requirements and standards when sourcing PPE. Certain PPE must comply with standards such as SANS and SABS. We also suggest sourcing PPE from credible companies to ensure they meet minimum requirements.
Safety is most successful when everyone participates. Managers, supervisors, workers, and service providers all play a role in identifying hazards and implementing effective controls. Together, we can create workplaces where people return home safely every day.
At SIZA, we encourage producers to view the Hierarchy of Controls not as a checklist, but as a roadmap towards a safer, healthier, and more sustainable agricultural sector.
For more information, please refer to our guidelines and templates or contact the SIZA office directly (086 111 1568).
