Stay One Step Ahead: Unveiling the Secrets to Farm Equipment Safety!

Farm Equipment Safety Tips

People who aren’t familiar with the rigors of farm work often envision rolling hills, open skies, working outdoors, and being connected to the land when they think of farming. That’s a pretty romantic interpretation of what is very hard, and very dangerous, work. Thousands of farm workers are seriously injured every year, and hundreds die from accidents. The majority of those accidents involve farm equipment. Some farms are even subject to OSHA safety regulations now. Thankfully, a lot of heavy-equipment injuries can be prevented with proper training, preparation, and safety gear.

Tractor Safety

Anyone using a tractor should be familiar with how it works, including how to maintain it in good working order, and how to spot signs that something may be wrong. Not knowing where every switch and control is located can lead to disaster in an emergency situation where quick thinking is called for.

• A rollover protective safety structure (ROPS) should be considered standard equipment. A properly installed ROPS will stop a rollover at 90 degrees. But, even a ROPS-equipped tractor isn’t safe if you aren’t wearing your seatbelt.

• Open your garage or barn doors before starting your tractor. Carbon monoxide accumulates quickly, even in large spaces.

• Keep fire extinguishers, flares, and a first aid kit in your tractor, and keep a checklist of expiration dates.

• Don’t underestimate the danger. We all drove tractors as kids, and it is easy to think that a 15-year-old, who grew up on a farm around heavy equipment, is up to the task of driving a tractor. They may be. But most likely, they haven’t developed the critical-thinking skills and judgment they’ll need to keep them safe, should anything go wrong. If you’ve got young people operating your tractors or other heavy equipment, have them complete a comprehensive training course. They are offered by 4-H and FFA. And, don’t forget to check OSHA regulations that might limit who can operate your equipment, and what training is required.

• Do regular safety checks. A daily maintenance routine, driven by a checklist that is followed exactly and routinely, goes a long way toward keeping you safe. If you don’t check oil levels, hydraulic fluid, hoses, and belts daily, you’re asking for trouble. Safety checks don’t take very long, and the benefits far outweigh the extra trouble. Did you know that hydraulic fluid in a lot of heavy equipment is under such extreme pressure, that if a hose breaks, the escaping fluid is capable of cutting through your skin? It is. So, check those hoses and connections. If your manufacturer didn’t provide a startup checklist, start with this one, but request one from them.

• Check tire condition and inflation

• Check oil, fuel and hydraulic lines, and fluid levels

• Make sure mirrors, windshield, platforms, steps, and your cab are clean and free of debris, and that there aren’t any loose tools lying around.

• Check your steering and brakes

• Check all of your operating lights

• Check all safety switches for proper functioning

• Make sure your lights are working and your “slow moving vehicle” sticker is visible.

• Follow your operator’s manual when it comes to starting up your tractor. Don’t just wing it. Improvisation leads to injury and equipment damage.