In the midst of harvesting season, it’s easy to forget safety in an effort to get the job done. There is a lot to do in a short timeframe, and farmers must compete with shorter days and even colder weather.
During this time, there is an increased sense of urgency around the farm, leading to injury and sometimes death. It’s essential to make use of these practical tips to avoid a farming accident among the workers and farm owners.
Refresh Manual Guidelines
Before harvest season kicks off, the opportunity to refresh and review any guidelines on equipment and machinery is in high demand. Taking this time to review can ensure workers are knowledgeable about safety protocols for each piece of machinery. It wouldn’t be a bad time to also run these manuals by any family or friends who visit the farm during the workday.
Devise an Emergency Plan
Developing an emergency safety plan and communicating thoroughly is critical. Chances are you will not need to use it, but if you don’t have a plan when an emergency arises, you can increase damage and cause life-threatening situations. Once you create the plan and map out routes, ensure all workers and visitors are aware of and knowledgeable about the plan.
Beware of Entanglements With Machinery
The leading cause of injury or death on the farm is machinery entanglements. It’s imperative to keep bystanders and children away from operating machinery and provide guarding or shielding to protect workers.
If you worked on a farm and an accident occurred, it’s best to seek legal advice to have your case evaluated. Entanglements with machinery are avoidable by following various safety protocols.
Hopefully, these practical tips to avoid a farming accident can help workers, family, and farm friends stay safe. It’s always best to keep bystanders off the equipment and out of the way during operating hours and provide thorough training to all staff members.
