Gone are the days when farming was done using livestock or manually. Today, modern agriculture is dependent on modern machinery. Farm machinery enhances productivity and reduces the need for manual labor. However, farm machinery is also quite heavy and risky. These need to be operated with a lot of caution and care. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the agricultural industry is one of the most risky, with maximum injuries occurring from operating farm machines.
So, if you are a farm owner and have recently purchased farm machinery, here are some essential safety tips you must remember.
Essential Safety Tips
1. Get Trained by Professionals
Most machines come with a user manual and instruction guide. If you feel that you can easily operate heavy farm machinery following these guides, then you are mistaken. The manufacturers of these machines always send a technician for installation and a live demo. You must let the professional teach you how to operate the machine and learn the features in detail. This prevents you from risking your life and also from damaging the controls. Furthermore, the safety protocols are constantly updated by the manufacturers; only a technician will be able to fully explain the dos & don’ts of these heavy equipment.
2. Inspect the Machines Before Operating Initially
Sometimes, the machines may be kept in the warehouses for quite some time before anyone purchases them. Although the manufacturers double-check each and every part before sending them to the client, it is advisable to run a thorough inspection before starting the machine. This rules out any possible faulty connections or potential issues that might have cropped up when the machine lay in the store.
These issues can be inadequate levels of oil, hydraulic fluid, or coolant levels. There could be wear and tear of tires, deflated tires, or tension in the wires or tracks. It is also important to examine whether all safety features, such as guards, shields, or rollover protective structures, are intact. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of equipment but also prevents accidents caused by mechanical failures.
3. Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Some experienced machine operators may consider it unnecessary to wear personal protective equipment while operating the farm machines. But the right clothing always protects an operator from any unfortunate occurrence. Loose-fitting clothes may get entangled with the wiring or the moving machine parts. Furthermore, nylon or polyester clothes may react with the fire or heat generated. It is advisable to wear a PPE suit with steel-toe boots. Eye and ear protection must be done by wearing safety glasses and ear plugs. Read more to understand essential safety measures while operating farm machinery here.
4. Ensure the Surroundings are Free
The machine operators also need to be cautious of their surroundings. The place should be free from pets, children, or any bystanders. You need to put up safety boards around the machines to create awareness. The machines should not be operated on uneven grounds or slopes, as they may tilt and fall.
5. Adhere to the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Every machine operator should strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and rules mentioned in the manual or guide. These are given for a reason. Neglecting or ignoring these safety parameters could lead to accidents. It is crucial to avoid exceeding recommended capacities and to operate within the advised speed parameters.
6. Implement Safe Mounting and Dismounting Practices
Always implement safe mounting and dismounting practices from these machines to prevent falls. A slight negligence could result in fatal accidents. Ensure that the operator maintains contact with the equipment using both hands and feet as required. Also, ensure steps and platforms are clean and dry to prevent slippage.
7. Avoid Operating Machinery Under Any Kind of Intoxication
Never operate equipment when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications that can affect judgment and reaction times. Even over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness, so always read labels and heed warnings.
8. Ensure Proper Lighting and Visibility
It is not always possible to operate in bright daylight only, as sometimes machines need to operate at night as well. If the operator must operate during low-light conditions, verify that all headlights, indicators, and taillights are operational. Reflective markings using tape or slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblems can be used to enhance visibility. These steps prevent collisions.
10. Keep Children and Untrained Individuals Away
To ensure safety, machine operators should designate the work area and restrict entry for kids and pets. They should never allow untrained individuals to operate equipment. Preventing unauthorized access reduces the risk of accidents.
11. Be Cautious with Power Take-Off (PTO) Systems
Often, these machines have a very strong and loud power take-off (PTO) system. Ensure that these PTO shafts are guided well. Always disengage the PTO and turn off the tractor before cleaning or adjusting equipment. Proper handling of PTO systems prevents entanglement injuries.
12. Plan for Emergencies
Being prepared can save lives. Always have a first-aid kit nearby. Keep accessible and well-stocked kits on-site. Post important phone numbers prominently. Preparation enables swift action during emergencies.
13. Avoid Fatigue
Operating machinery while fatigued impairs judgment. The operator should take regular rest breaks during extended work periods. Operating heavy equipment can be very tiresome. Ensure that the operator has had adequate sleep before starting.
Whether you need a cattle guard to keep your livestock safe, a Danuser auger to dig post holes, a Hayking round bale trailer to transport hay, an Elston Gopher Getter to eliminate pests, or a custom automatic gate opener, all farming supplies and farm machinery come with certain safety protocols that need to be followed while operating to prevent accidents and ensure overall safety.