It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week! Safety should be a top priority on the farm year-round, and it’s a great reminder as we enter the busy harvest season. In fact, harvest is a peak time for agriculture-related dangers and fatalities. According to Bankrate, agriculture is considered the sixth most dangerous profession in the United States. With the fall season approaching, Stine would like to help you stay safe and alert during the upcoming harvest with these tips.
- Adequate Training. Fully train the people who will use any farming equipment. A lack of experience or training can be a great risk to everyone on the farm. Whether it’s a new employee or your own child operating equipment for the first time, make sure they are properly trained to prevent the risk of injury to themselves and others. Consult your local extension or USDA office for farm safety training opportunities.
- Emergency Plan. Have a thorough crisis plan in place in the event of an accident, an injury, a death or a natural disaster. This plan should then be distributed and explained to everyone on your team to ensure thorough understanding of the proper actions to take in the event of an emergency.
- Road Safety. First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. Check the internal gauges and precision technologies inside the equipment and then check outside for things you could potentially run into, including children, other equipment and power lines. If a seat belt is provided, use it! Adequate lighting is also crucial when on the road, especially to avoid animals, other drivers and road hazards.
- Maintenance of Equipment. Maintain your equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for safety usage.
- Take Care of Yourself. One of the most important tips is to be sure that you and your team receive adequate rest, food and hydration. Without a well-rested team, you are more prone to accidents, injuries and other setbacks.
- Grain Bin Safety. Grain bin safety is crucial this time of year. Wear a mask in and around grain bins and silos to prevent diseases or conditions related to dust and gas inhalation. And take extra caution when working in or around grain bins, vertical elevators and augers. Always have another person present as you enter a bin, and secure yourself to a harness or rope to ensure you have a solid escape mechanism.
At Stine, we are firm believers in practicing safety in the field, especially during harvest. We encourage you all to be aware of your own limits and surroundings, and always have an emergency plan in place.
For more tips on harvest safety, contact your local Stine sales rep.