It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week! With harvest underway in some parts of the country, Stine wants to help everyone have a safe and successful harvest season. Whether you’re working on machinery, driving from field to field or putting long hours in the combine, you must always be alert. Here are five tips to stay safe this harvest season:
- Be careful on the road. Make sure all lights and flashers work properly, keep an eye out for animals and watch for drivers who may not be watching for you. Try to avoid busy roads during rush hour. If needed, discuss a route with your local police department to choose a safe path between your fields.
- Communication is key. Make sure your team communicates frequently and set an emergency plan in place that all employees are aware of and know how to implement. Walk through the emergency plan with all members before harvest begins.
- Limit riders. Limit riders on equipment and make sure extra passengers are in a safe seat. Do not let passengers ride on fenders, hitches or attachments. While it’s nice to have family keep you company during harvest, it’s best to take them out in the combine or other farm machinery in separate trips. If the cab is too crowded, it may make it difficult to operate. Always remember, safety first.
- Be safe around the bin. Never enter a bin when unloading equipment, such as an auger, is running, and do not enter a bin with automatic unloading equipment unless the control circuit is locked out. Always have a helper nearby when entering a grain bin. Avoid wearing loose clothing around the equipment.
- Be aware of your own limits. If you’re becoming fatigued after long hours in the combine, this may cause an accidental injury when using farm equipment. Stay alert, and if you feel yourself drifting, it’s time to take a break. Be sure to take care of yourself; don’t miss a meal, get some sleep, know when you need a break and stay hydrated.
When out in the field, the days get long and your attention may start to wane. Be aware of your own limits, be aware of your surroundings and always have an emergency plan in place. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Stine wishes everyone a safe and successful harvest season. For more tips on harvest safety, contact your local Stine sales rep.