As the leaves turn and the air cools, farmers across the country gear up for the crucial fall harvest. While this season is a time of abundance and celebration, it also brings unique safety challenges. Prioritizing safety can help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth harvest process.
Equipment Safety: Harvesting involves heavy machinery, making equipment maintenance essential. Before the season begins, inspect all machinery for any wear and tear. Ensure that all safety features, such as guards and emergency stops, are functioning correctly. Train operators on proper use and safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of staying alert while working.
Samantha Pauley, Director of Emergency Services, adds, “Environmental safety is extremely important. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, make sure you’re shutting off any farm equipment you may have running. Limb injuries to arms and legs are quite common. Combine fires are also a real hazard. I recommend being familiar with basic first aid techniques and carrying a first aid kit and fire extinguisher at all times.”
Grain Bin Precautions: Harvesting often means working around grain bins, which can be hazardous. Always follow safety protocols when entering a bin, including using a harness and lifeline. It’s vital to have a second person on-site for monitoring. Additionally, ensure that any stored grain is safely managed to prevent collapse or entrapment.
Pauley also notes farmers need to be aware of the electrical hazards around grain bins.
“We’ve seen several instances where farmers didn’t realize the electric wires near their bins were hanging a little bit lower than they thought. As already noted, the equipment is huge. We recommend farmers be very much aware of their surroundings when using on-farm storage.”
Road Safety: Fall is a busy time on rural roads, with farm equipment frequently moving between fields. Farmers should display caution signs and ensure that equipment is equipped with proper lighting. Drivers must be vigilant, reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance when encountering farm vehicles.
Pauley also suggests additional precautions.
“It’s important for everyone to have a healthy respect for the combines, tractors, wagons and other farm equipment used during harvest. The equipment is big, so it is advisable to give plenty of room for those vehicles as they move around on the roads.”
Chemical Handling: The use of pesticides and fertilizers after harvest can pose risks. Always follow safety guidelines for handling and applying chemicals. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks and ensure that chemicals are stored securely away from children and animals.
Mental Health Awareness: The pressure of harvest season can lead to stress. Encourage open communication among workers about mental health and provide support resources to manage stress effectively.
Pauley says if anything goes wrong, call 911 first.
“Believe it or not, our First Responders and EMS crews can get to you much faster than you think. Never try to drive in your loved one or friend to the emergency room. The critical care your friend or family members need can be administered more quickly if you just call 911 first. As I said previously, keep a first aid kit handy and our EMS crews will get you the emergency care you need. We want to encourage everybody to stay safe this harvest season.”
