Author name: Candace

One of the most important aspects of farm safety is incident reporting and compliance with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Proper reporting is not only a legal requirement but also a way to protect your workers’ rights and safeguard your farm from legal and financial risks.

This segment focuses on a core element of farm safety: conducting risk assessments and implementing Safe Work Procedures (SWPs). These tools help prevent injuries, improve compliance, and ensure workers are aware of job-related hazards.

This guide explains the essential legal appointments required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and relevant regulations. These appointments ensure that health and safety responsibilities are delegated to competent individuals who can manage risks on the farm.

A compliant safety file isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting your people, your operation, and your livelihood. One of the most important tools in achieving this is your Health & Safety File.

Staying on top of safety regulations Running a farm is more than just planting, harvesting, and managing livestock — it also means taking responsibility for the health and safety of everyone on site. South African labour law requires farms to comply with strict Health & Safety regulations, and non-compliance can have serious consequences for both workers and owners. To help you stay on top of your compliance, we’ve created a practical farm safety checklist. Health & Safety File Your Health & Safety File is the foundation of compliance. ☐ Do you have a site-specific Health & Safety File? ☐ Are the following included:  – Legal appointments  – Risk assessments  – Registers & checklists  – Training records  – Inspection schedules **Legal Reference:** CR 3(6), GAR 9 Legal Appointments Certain roles must be formally appointed to ensure accountability. ☐ Is the farm owner or manager formally appointed (Section 16(2))? ☐ Are Health & Safety Representatives appointed and trained (Section 17)? ☐ Are there competent appointees for:  – Tractor/machinery operation  – First Aid  – Firefighting  – Equipment inspection **Legal Reference:** OHSA Sections 16–18, GSR 2 Risk Assessments & Safe Work Procedures Risk management is not a one-off — it should be part of your daily routine. ☐ Do you have a baseline risk assessment for your farm? ☐ Are task-based risk assessments conducted for daily operations? ☐ Are hazards communicated to workers (e.g., toolbox talks, signage)? ☐ Do workers have access to safe work procedures? **Legal Reference:** OHSA Section 8(2)(d) Incident Reporting Every injury or near miss matters. ☐ Are all injuries and near misses recorded and investigated? ☐ Is a First Aid box available and maintained? ☐ Are injury reports submitted to the Department of Labour as required? **Legal Reference:** GAR 8, COIDA Act PPE & Training Providing safety gear is not enough — workers must also be trained. ☐ Are the correct PPE items issued for each task? ☐ Is there proof of training on:  – Equipment/machinery  – Chemical handling  – Manual handling ☐ Are training certificates up to date? Monthly Checks & Maintenance Regular inspections save lives and prevent costly breakdowns. ☐ Are tractors, trailers, and equipment inspected regularly? ☐ Are fire extinguishers and emergency signage maintained? ☐ Are chemicals labelled, stored safely, and accompanied by MSDS? Safety Awareness & Culture Compliance is more than ticking boxes — it’s about building a culture of safety. ☐ Are toolbox talks conducted regularly? ☐ Are H&S Committee meetings held where required? ☐ Do workers feel empowered to report unsafe conditions? Need Help? We’ve got your back. Pinion SA’s Handy Farm Compliance Checklist helps you quickly assess your legal safety responsibilities. From PPE to incident reporting, we cover it all. Pinion SA can assist with: Use it to assess where you stand — and if you’re unsure or need help, Pinion SA offers a free compliance audit (you just cover travel). Visit our website or contact conrad.davids@pinionza.com for more information.

Discover the top 5 hazards on farms and simple ways to prevent accidents. Protect yourself and your team – safety starts with awareness!