Make Time For Safety This Harvest Season

Harvest season often means putting in long hours, which can make it difficult to stay alert and on the lookout for potential hazards.

SAFETY STARTS WITH PREPARATION

Be prepared for potential emergencies before the rush of harvest season begins.

  • Have a safety plan, and make sure that farm workers and family members are aware of the procedures in it.
  • Be sure that you can see well in the areas where you are working. Consider adding extra lighting around grain bins and augers.
safety

TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK UP AND LOOK OUT FOR ELECTRICAL LINES

Always be aware of where they are in relation to your equipment. Keep a minimum of 10 feet away from all electrical equipment, and lower extensions before moving equipment. If you see a power line that is sagging or low, contact your utility. Also watch for guy wires and newly installed communication lines. Guy wires are not energized but can bring down live power lines if struck, and communication lines may be lower than power lines.

In equipment with auto-guidance systems, less focus is needed on steering, which may lead some drivers to think that they do not need to be as aware of navigation issues. However, even while using a GPS with auto-steering, farm workers need to keep safety in mind and stay focused on their surroundings.

Slow down, always stay alert, and take all recommended precautions. To help you do so, recognize when you need to take breaks so that you can be active and engaged in the farm work

machinery

While harvest is a busy season on the farm, it’s still important to take the time to keep safety first and look out for and stay safely away from potential hazards like overhead power lines.