Looking After Your Physical Health
Working in the primary industries can be physically demanding. Taking care of your health can help prevent injury, keep you safe at work, and support your overall wellbeing.
Be Sun Smart
Working outdoors is a big part of many roles in the primary industries. Protecting yourself from the sun's UV radiation can help prevent long-term damage to your skin and eyes.
Learn more about how to be SunSmart at: SunSmart — Be SunSmart | Me Haumaru Rā
Stay Hydrated and Manage Heat
Physical work and warm weather can increase the risk of dehydration and heat stress. Staying hydrated helps you maintain energy levels, concentrate on the task at hand, and work safely.
Drink water regularly throughout the day, take breaks when needed, and be aware of the signs of heat stress, such as dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, or fatigue.
Prevent Strains and Injuries
Many jobs in the primary industries involve lifting, carrying, bending, repetitive movements, or physically demanding tasks. Using safe techniques and proper equipment can help reduce the risk of strains and injuries.
Take the time to plan lifts, use mechanical aids where available, and ask for help when handling heavy or awkward loads.
Manage Fatigue
Long hours, physically demanding work, seasonal workloads, and early starts can all contribute to fatigue. Fatigue can affect your concentration, judgement, and reaction times, increasing the risk of mistakes and injuries.
Getting enough sleep, taking regular breaks, and recognising when you're becoming tired are important parts of staying safe at work.
Protect Your Hearing
Exposure to loud machinery, vehicles, tools, and equipment can damage your hearing over time. Hearing loss often occurs gradually and cannot usually be reversed.
Wear hearing protection whenever required and follow workplace procedures for working in noisy environments.
Wear the Right PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps protect you from workplace hazards and should always be worn when required. Depending on your role, this may include safety boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, helmets, or sun protection.
Make sure your PPE fits correctly, is in good condition, and is used as instructed.
Using Vehicles and Machinery Safely
Vehicles, machinery, and powered equipment are commonly used throughout the primary industries. Whether you're operating a tractor, ute, LUV, chainsaw, mower, or other equipment, it's important to understand the risks and follow safe operating procedures.
Before using any vehicle or machinery, make sure you have received the appropriate training, carry out pre-start checks, wear the required PPE, and only operate equipment if you are authorised and competent to do so. Always follow workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions.
Taking the time to use vehicles and machinery safely can help prevent injuries to yourself and those around you.
If you need training to safely operate a vehicle or chainsaw, please visit: www.primaryito.ac.nz/vehicles
Learn more about vehicle safety: Farm Vehicle Safety | Safer Farms
Learn more about safe machinery operation: Machinery | WorkSafe
Contact us
For more information on looking after your physical health, please contact:
Mel Weston – Learning and Language Co-ordinator