 Spring is a busy time of the year for farmers, in order to prevent losses or injuries, please take a moment to review the following suggestions.
Make sure all machinery and trucks operated on the roads are lit and marked properly. Equip combines, tractors and other implements with a "slow-moving vehicle" sign. Properly illuminate with lights or reflective tape the entire width of your farm implements when operating them on the roads.
Practice good maintenance of your farm. Make sure that fences are in good repair. Keep grass and weeds trimmed around building and maintain a clean shop. Have a licensed electrician periodically inspect your electrical systems and perform all updates. Be sure that all electrical systems and equipment are properly grounded to help reduce the chance of shocks and production losses to livestock.
Maintain and inspect equipment regularly. Never operate equipment that is not in safe working condition. Inspect and repair all equipment before using, including, safety shields, hydraulic lines and fuel lines. Make sure that tension belts and chain drives are adjusted properly and that fire extinguishers are readily available. Ask your Indiana Farmers Mutual Agent about the availability of fire extinguishers for your field equipment.
Make sure that tractors are equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. Always wear the seatbelt with the ROPS.
Operate equipment safely. Avoid jewelry or loose-fitting clothing as well as unsecured long hair that can get tangled in machines with revolving parts. Do not permit riders on moving equipment such as tractors and forklifts. Adjust the seat so that you can see all of the gauges and reach all of the controls. Be sure that everyone is at a safe distance before starting the equipment, if the machine jams, turn off all rotating mechanisms and power before making any adjustments. Never leave a machine running unattended.
Make sure all farm workers are trained to perform their jobs safely and effectively. Every machine operator should be familiar with the machine's manuals, machine controls, maintenance practices, warning labels and emergency procedures.
Train workers in chemical hazard communication. Properly store and label all chemicals and pesticides appropriately. Make sure all workers receive instructions on the chemical hazards they are exposed to and understand the information. Also, make sure that workers are equipped with the correct protective equipment or respiratory protection they might need, including gloves, eye/face shields, earplugs, respiratory protection, and hats. If anyone is exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, do not wait for symptoms to develop. Take them to a doctor immediately.
Beware of grain "drowning." Flowing grain behaves much like quicksand. It can pull you in and suffocate you within seconds. Work in pairs and shut off all unloading equipment, automatic unloading circuits and other devices before entering a grain bin. Be sure grain bins have permanent ladders inside and out. Use a lifeline when entering a bin or silo and wear a protective mask.
Protect yourself from back injuries, if possible, adjust your work practices to minimize the need to lift heavy objects. When lifting, use your legs, not your back. Also, properly adjust the seat on any equipment that you use to reduce unnecessary strain on your back.
When you put yourself under the strain of long days and hard work you need to think about your body's needs. Be sure to eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest.
Keep your family safe on the farm. Have designated areas for play away from the hazards of tractors and machinery and watch out for children at all times. Discuss the dangers of farm equipment with children and put work areas off-limits to them. Also, make sure that any young people who operate hazardous machinery are properly trained and supervised.
Protecting your property and keeping you and your family safe has become a high priority in rural areas. In order to maintain this security, be sure there is adequate lighting around the farmyard and in the home. Have deadbolt locks on all entrance doors to your home and keep farm buildings locked. Record serial numbers of all equipment and mark equipment and livestock to aid in the recovery, should a theft occur. Ask neighbors to check the farm regularly when you are gone.
Have first-aid kits available and develop an emergency plan for farm employees and your family. |