Friday, October 25, 2013

Harvest Safety Tips

Here are a few safety tips from Michigan State University Extension to consider on your farm as producers prepare and start harvesting this season. These tips are true even for experienced farmers. 
  • Read operators manual(s).
  • Install Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs.
    Harvesting in Iowa. Photo (c) Nick Halverson
  • Wear seat belts.
  • Put equipment in neutral or park, engage parking brake, and turn off engine before dismounting. Wait until all mechanisms have stopped moving before attempting to service or unclog a machine.
  • Locking hydraulic cylinders or supporting the head prior to working under it is always recommended.
  • Limit riders on equipment! Instructional seats are designed for training or diagnosing machine problems.
  • Keep all guards in place.
  • Take breaks. Get enough sleep.
  • Train all operators to safely operate the equipment.
  • Fatigue, stress, medication, alcohol and drugs cause you to not focus on tasks.
  • Have all safety equipment in proper condition and ready to use such as safety glasses, hearing protection and respiratory masks.
  • Have ROPS (rollover protective structures) fitted on tractors.
Stay safe! Together we can!




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