Guides & Toolkits

JUNE 2013 AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY All stakeholders involved in turkey handling, equipment operation, barn cleanout, and transportation have a role to play in the overall goal of providing a safe work environment. Specifi c risks need to be managed by appropriate industry stakeholders. Farmer The farmer is responsible for the barn structures and farm yard. This includes any safety equipment associated with the barn, e.g. fan guarding, guard rails on barn loading balconies if applicable (refer to Appendix B), hand rails in the stairways, etc. Farmers are required to conduct periodic inspection and maintenance of the farm structures and equipment. This includes the yard/driveway, ensuring adequate overhead clearance for trucks, driveway maintenance, etc. Farmers must communicate any known hazards on the property to other potentially affected parties prior to the work activity starting. If farmers are hiring their own turkey catchers and/or stuffers, they also assume the same responsibility as the catching company. This also applies if farm employees are completing the barn cleaning; farmers are responsible for employee safety training and inspecting elevating device, guardrails, etc. as noted for barn cleaning companies. Note regarding safety training: Attached to this document as Appendix D is a sample safety checklist farmers could use with new employees prior to beginning work on farm. It should be adapted to refl ect the specifi c farm layout and loading practices. If farmers are providing mechanical turkey loaders or other loading equipment, they are responsible for the maintenance and regular inspection of the equipment. Transport Company Responsible for all safety equipment associated with the truck, its installation, inspection and on-going maintenance. They are responsible for providing and documenting safety training to their employees and ensuring their employees are following the procedures outlined in the Turkey Safe Works Practices Manual when loading birds. Catching Company Responsible for providing all identifi ed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to their employees. They are responsible for providing and documenting safety training to their staff and ensuring their employ- ees are following the procedures outlined in the Turkey Safe Work Practices Manual. Processing Company If processing companies are providing turkey loaders to farmers, they are responsible for the mainte- nance and regular inspection of the equipment. When processors supply an employee as an on-farm stuffer, they are responsible for providing and documenting safety training to their staff and ensuring their employees are following the procedures outlined in the Turkey Safe Work Practices Manual. 15

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