It doesn’t happen often but, when it does, these are some of the most difficult conversations to have and difficult situations to manage. As an employer, especially on the dairy, we put our faith and trust in those we choose to help us care for and raise our animals.

One of the most taken-for-granted things we do on a daily basis, without thinking about it, is breathing. When we are working on the dairy, we are often completing chores that involve a threat to the quality of air we are inhaling.

Health and safety – what do they mean to you? Boring training? One meeting a year that is never talked about again? A “legal” obligation? Or perhaps it’s someone telling you how to do your job?

As we all know, accidents can happen when working on a farm. Whether it requires a Band-Aid or a trip to the emergency room for some stitches, it is immensely important you have the right tools and materials in your first-aid kit to help you or your team members receive the treatment they need.

When we think about health and safety, the first thought that comes to mind is policies and procedures, and usually training. This thought process is not wrong. These are aspects of a complete health and safety program that should be adopted in every workplace, no matter the type, in order to keep every team member safe and returning from work healthy each day.

Health and safety is at the forefront of your operation. You are immensely invested in the well-being of your team and want them to go home the same way they came to work. Many steps are taken on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to ensure the health and safety of your entire team.

We sometimes forget that, for the most part, hearing is damaged over time, and constant exposure will quicken the hearing loss process. Noise on the farm is inevitable, and there may be very few times during the day when we experience absolute peace and quiet.

A monthly safety meeting. “It’s too hard to get everyone together.” “We’re too busy working.” These reasons to avoid meeting monthly to discuss safety may seem valid at the time of delivery.

Sometimes we think we know what is what on our dairy. We know what equipment is lined up to be repaired in the winter, and what parts of which barns will need some work in the spring.

Subcontractors. What are my responsibilities? What will I be held accountable for if something happens? Do I need to train them?