Training to do the work and do it safely

As an employer, your responsibility goes further than just providing a safe working environment.
Under health and safety legislation, employers must ensure all employees receive adequate training, instruction and information, and gain appropriate competency or certificates, so that they have the ability to undertake the required tasks effectively and safely.

Download the sample employee training record

Some training will be provided on the job, e.g. induction, cattle handling, milking and calf rearing. Other training may be provided by formal training courses external to the property, for example:

• Chemical handling (ChemCert or equivalent)
• First Aid
• Tractor and Front End Loader Operation
• ATV Operation
• Farm Safety
• Fire Extinguisher use

It is advisable to develop a training plan for each employee (including both informal and formal training) and to keep a record of what has been undertaken. A training record can be set up for each employee using the attached Employee Training Record. This record will provide evidence that training and instruction has been provided to employees.