With a solution-focused approach, we collaborate closely with clients and consultant teams to align on scope, time frames, design objectives, and cost. We’re committed to delivering a strong return on your investment. Are you interested in our work in the commercial and industrial sectors?
The saleyards' alignment with the natural topography required a cover designed to match the levelling contours precisely. Also, maintaining uninterrupted saleyard operations was critical, so we developed a staged construction plan to complete the project efficiently without causing disruptions.
Providing Industry-Leading Steel Building Solutions
Central Steel Build, committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, has solidified its reputation as an industry leader. We're revolutionising agricultural structures, and transforming how farmers and producers approach building solutions. If you’re interested in our work in the agricultural sector, read the article to discover how we’re transforming building solutions.
Boyle indoor dressage arena and stable complex
Our client, a dedicated dressage rider and trainer in Scone, NSW, approached us for a combined indoor dressage arena and stable complex to prevent weather disruptions. Her vision focused on horse and rider safety with a shallow roof gradient to blend with her existing property infrastructure. The incorporation of a curved roofline was our solution to achieving an unobtrusive roof design.
Did you know that quad bikes are the leading cause of injury and death on Australian farms? In line with National Farm Safety Week, 18-24 July, we want to help you keep yourself safe on your quad.
On average there are 16 quad bike related deaths per year in Australia and almost half of quad bike deaths are the result of a rollover. Using Farmsafe’s practical management guide we have put together 10 tips to keep you safe when using your quad bike or side-by-side vehicle on your farm.
Quads are a popular choice for many common farm jobs, but they are not always the only option to get the job done. Some tasks can be done efficiently using a safer, more stable vehicle that is less likely to roll over – consider machines that can be fitted with a suitable operator protective device such as side-by-side vehicles.
When deciding the type of machine to purchase, consider the following:
To ensure your chosen vehicle operates safely across all tasks it is a good idea to specify the jobs for which it will be used, the conditions of operation (including speed,
load and tow limits) and the areas on the farm where the machine is allowed to be driven.
For example: quad bikes are not suitable for spraying and are more dangerous than other transport options, therefore for this task it would be better for a side-by-side vehicle or small tractor to be utilised.
Loads carried raise the centre of gravity and increase the likelihood of machines rolling over. Quad bikes are unsuitable for carrying loads or towing. Side-by-side vehicles are significantly more stable and are designed for carrying and towing heavier loads as long as attachments and load carrying comply with the specifications in the operator’s manual to maintain safe use.
When carrying liquid loads such as spray tanks, it is important to remember that the load can shift as the machine turns corners or on a change of incline. To safely tow/carry a liquid load with a side-by-side vehicle the tanks should be:
Quad bikes are not designed to carry passengers. The longer saddle seat is designed for operator movement to give optimal control of the machine. Farmers and managers must note that under WHS regulations using machines for a purpose it was not designed for could be considered a breach of the WHS regulatory requirements.
If you require two people to be transported, find another machine for the job.
Children under the age of 16 years should not be operating a quad bike, they are at a greater risk of serious injury. The risk is associated with the developmental stage of children, the weight and height of the child is irrelevant. Small child-sized quads have also been involved in several fatal cases in Australia and New Zealand, nearly all of which involve rollovers.
Approximately half of quad deaths in Australia involve older farmers, which could reflect the average age of farmers who operate these vehicles. It is important to note that as we age our physical capability, agility, vision and hearing can become impaired. Additionally, older people are more likely to suffer fractured bones than younger persons.
Restrict operation of quads to competent adults over the age of 16 years old.
It is important that workers who operate any machine on the farm have the necessary skills to operate the machine safely. Farmers must assess skills of their employees, providing safety inductions and training as necessary.
Safety rules must include:
Head injuries contribute to around one third of quad bike related deaths in Australia, therefore an approved helmet is a clear necessity for quad riders. Helmets designed for equestrian, mountaineering or cycling purposes are often suitable for on-farm use. Using helmets of a reputable standard will ensure you meet your obligations from WHS to provide a safe on-farm workplace.
Routine maintenance guidance is available in the operator’s manual of vehicles and must be adhered to. Correct tyre pressure is important for quad and side-by-side vehicle safety. Tyres should be at the pressure advised by manufacturer and a low-pressure tyre gauge should be readily available to the operator
Farmers are required to provide supervision of employees “to the extent necessary to minimise the risks to health and safety”. The first step to comply with this is to have established the rules and communicated these to operators.
Constant and direct supervision of machinery operators is mostly not practical on farms. Instead, periodic checks can be carried out to see that the operator is handling the machine according to farm rules.
There’s a very helpful checklist on page 19 of the Farmsafe Practical Management Guide to help decide what vehicle is right for the jobs on your farm.
Information credits: FarmSafe Australia
Central author : Feb 20, 2024 11:40:54 AM
Investing in a quality agricultural shed is crucial for farmers, whether it’s providing storage or a workspace. Rising costs prompt the need for...
Central author : Sep 19, 2024 2:00:05 PM
In September 2022, the National Construction Code (NCC) was updated with changes to the Wind Assessment Standards. At Central Steel Build, we are...
How much will it cost to build a farm shed? At Central Steel Build we work hard to deliver purpose-built, high-quality agricultural spaces that are...
Central author