Work on a dairy farm is dynamic and rewarding. It is specialized work in the milking and care of dairy cattle. The work activities involving, milking, cleaning, feeding and caring for the dairy cattle in addition to performing general maintenance and other tasks as needed.

The various activities also present a variety of hazards. This series of eight training modules presents an introductory health and safety orientation for new and returning workers to the dairy industry.

Each of the following subject areas presents an overview of the types of hazards dairy workers might encounter while performing that activity and suggestions for actions that might be taken to protect yourself and other from those hazards.

This training series creates a foundation for more detailed workplace discussions between the workers and supervisors for addressing hazards specific to their dairy farm.

This series consists of 8 modules:

ANIMAL HANDLING AND HEALTH

This module will give a basic overview of some animal handling techniques that can be applied on the dairy farm. In addition, it will look at some of the hazards that arise while caring for and managing cattle.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

CHEMICAL SAFETY

A variety of chemicals are present in dairy operations ranging from cleaners and sanitizers to pesticides and veterinary medicines to protect the safety of the milk and animals that produce the milk. Workers handling any of these chemicals must have a basic understanding of how a substance might enter their body and what steps they can take to ensure that they are not exposed to these substances.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

FEED HANDLING AND STORAGE SAFETY

Feed handling and storage safety is an important part of every dairy farm. This training module presents an overview of some of the most common risks that are associated with this type of work.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

GENERAL DAIRY WORKER SAFETY

This training session outlines the principles and practices of health and safety for dairy farm operations. It includes information on the common workplace hazards, health and safety law, rights and responsibilities of the worker and sources of additional information. The module aims to teach workers how to recognize hazards and how to protect themselves and co-workers while on the job.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

MACHINERY SAFETY IN THE FIELD

Machinery on the farm is the leading cause of fatalities and injuries. Understanding the hazards is essential to reducing the risks you will be exposed to. This training module will highlight some of the basic principles of safety around equipment and information on specific machinery and implements common to many dairy farming operations.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

MILKING AND CHORES SAFETY

Chores can include a wide variety of activities ranging from manual labour to equipment operation. This module presents an overview of the hazards and safety strategies that can be used to remain safe while performing routine work.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SAFETY

If hazards cannot be effectively controlled then the use of personal protective equipment becomes the last resort of protection for the worker. In this training program we will take a look at types of protective equipment that is typically available and discuss the use and limitations of that equipment, in addition to the selection of the appropriate equipment it must be used for its intended purpose and properly maintained.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

SAFETY AROUND ROBOTICS

Robotics on the dairy farm are becoming more common throughout Canada. This type of equipment presents a unique set of hazards for dairy farm workers. This training module will highlight some the hazards specific to this type of equipment in the dairy industry. This information is presented as a basic overview and should be supported with detailed training specific to each particular piece of equipment.

Topics:

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Pass mark: 80%

Attempts: 3

Approximately 5 hours

Upon successful completion of each course, you will be provided with a certificate of completion for that course. Once all 8 courses have been completed, you will be provided with an additional Dairy Worker Safety Orientation Series certificate of completion.