Risk Assessment for the Operation of Farm Vehicles

This is a demonstration risk assessment for the operation of farm vehicles that AgriOps members can download.

This template is in Microsoft Word format and gives you a demonstration risk assessment template to create a risk assessment for your farm/agri-business for the operation of farm vehicles. We have included a risk scoring matrix to generate the overall risk rating (Likelihood x Severity of Harm).

Read our guide on how to complete this risk assessment >

The information supplied is for educational purposes only. We do not accept liability for any injury, loss, or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence, or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.  

All rights reserved. No part of the training information may be reprinted, reproduced, or utilised in any form by electronic, mechanical, or other means, including photocopying or redistribution, without permission from the materials’ owners, AR Enviro Consultancy Services. 

How to Use the Risk Assessment for the Operation of Farm Vehicles >

This guide will help you understand and effectively use the Farm Vehicles Risk Assessment Template. Follow the steps below to complete the assessment accurately.

Please note that every farm/agri-business has hazards and control measures that will differ – you must read the risk assessment and adjust to match your needs!

Risk Assessment Introduction >

A brief introduction to the risk assessment, who could potentially be harmed, and what some of the typical control measures, policies/procedures are.

1. Task Introduction & Description

The operation of farm vehicles while they carry out various tasks, i.e., tractors while they carry out trailer work, working with 3-point linkage equipment, etc

2. Who can be harmed?

Anyone who will be in contact with the working farm vehicle, the operator, other employees, contractors, visitors, and the public.

3. What are the main hazards?

Vehicle Defects, Inexperienced operators, Unsafe operators, Workplace traffic and pedestrian management, occupational road risks, attaching/detaching implements, adjusting implements, vehicle operation, children/passengers.

4. What are the typical Polices/Procedures/Methods required to control Hazards and the risks associated?

Method Statement on Operation of Farm Vehicles
Maintenance/service plan
Thorough inspection plan
Toolbox talks/Training
Alcohol/Drugs Policy
Yard induction policy & rules
Operator Competency Reviews

5. What are the records required to control the hazards and the risks associated?

Daily vehicle defect records
Vehicle maintenance/service records
Vehicle thorough inspection records
Toolbox talks/Training records
Staff training matrix
Yard induction records & yard rules acknowledgment records

Risk Assessment Guidance >

Our guidance notes on how to efficiently and effectively complete various sections of the risk assessment:

1. Risk Matrix & Risk Scoring

A risk matrix is supplied to calculate an overall risk rating based on the Likelihood of Occurrence x Severity of Harm. Please read the instructions on how to use it.

We do not provide any risk scores, as only you can do this; they must be site-specific.

Here’s how to determine the overall risk rating for the hazard of vehicle defects:

1. Likelihood of Vehicle Defects: If the vehicle is regularly serviced and pre-start checked, then the likelihood could be 1 (Low). However, if the vehicle is not pre-start checked or regularly serviced, the likelihood should be reassessed. In this case, it could be rated as 3 (High).
2. Severity of Harm: The severity of harm should at least be a 2 (Serious), which is appropriate if a vehicle defect could lead to a 7-day injury or illness.
3. Overall Risk Rating: Using the risk scoring matrix:
   • If the likelihood is 3 (High) and the severity is 2 (Serious), the overall risk rating would be 6 (from the matrix: High (3) x Serious (2) = 6).
   • If you maintain the original likelihood of 1 (Low) and severity of 2 (Serious), the overall risk rating would remain at 2 (from the matrix: Low (1) x Serious (2) = 2).

In summary, if you have effective control measures in place (like regular servicing and pre-start checks), the likelihood can remain at 1, resulting in an overall risk rating of 2. If those measures are lacking, the likelihood should be increased to 3, leading to an overall risk rating of 6. Always ensure that your risk assessment reflects the current state of control measures in place.

2. Hazards & Control Measures

When assessing the risks associated with the operation of farm vehicles, it is important to recognize that the hazards listed here are for educational purposes only. They provide a general overview of potential risks, but you must tailor them to your specific site conditions.

Here are some key points to consider:

Implement Control Measures: For each identified hazard, establish suitable control measures to mitigate risks. This ensures that your risk assessment is effective and promotes a safer working environment.

Conduct a Full Hazard Analysis: It is essential to perform a comprehensive hazard analysis specific to your business. This will help identify all potential hazards related to farm vehicle operations.

Identify Additional Hazards: If you discover any hazards that are not included in the initial list, make sure to add them to your risk assessment.

3. PPE Required

State what PPE you require your employees, contractors, etc to wear when they are carrying out this task.

4. Polices/Procedures/Competency Levels Required

State what polices/procedures/competency levels are required to maintain and control the hazards and the risks associated.

5. Sign the Risk Assessment

Sign the risk assessment when complete, state the date of the review/implementation of the risk assessment, and write the date you will review the risk assessment (Standard practice is within one year, but it may need to be sooner if triggered by a change or if a control measure is not effective)