Falls from Tractors and Trailing Equipment Safety Facts and Tips

Runovers caused by falls from tractors and trailing equipment are one of the most common forms of unintentional injuries that happen on the farm or ranch. Many of these lead to serious injury and death. Falls from farm machinery are particularly common for the older farmer and children. Falls from machinery can be prevented by adopting these basic practices.

• Wear shoes and boots with slip-resistant soles and heels.

• Keep platforms, foot-plates and steps clear of mud, snow, manure or other debris.

• Before moving, check the tractor and trailing equipment to see that no one has climbed aboard without your knowledge.

• Remove tools or other items that may cause a tripping hazard from the operator platform.

• Don't use working farm equipment as a place to baby-sit children. Arrange for proper childcare.

• Never allow anyone to ride on the drawbar or towed machinery.

• Insist that no one ride on farm equipment except those required for its operation, instruction, or diagnostics.

• Reduce speed on rough, uneven or hilly ground.

• Watch for obstacles.

• Wait for the tractor to stop before getting off. Set brakes and step down using handholds or rails. No one should jump off a moving tractor. Whenever possible, equip tractors with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) cab. They are more comfortable, give overhead protection, and prevent falls from tractors.

Inspection

• Are shoes or boots in good condition with non-slip soles?

• Are platforms and steps free of debris?

• Are tools or other items removed from operator platform?

• Is the cab equipped with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)?

Source: Information supplied by the National Safety Council’s Agricultural Division, the National Education Center for

Agricultural Safety (NECAS) – www.necasag.org or 888-844-6322.

Farm Vehicle Safety

Harvest season means more farm vehicles will be sharing the roadways with other vehicles. That includes combines and other harvesting equipment moving from one field to another, as well as trucks and tractors transporting produce. To help ensure your safety:

• Display the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem on all off-road vehicles. Make sure emblems are in

  

  During harvest time, make sure your equipment is properly
  equipped for safe travel on the roads. 

  good condition and properly mounted.
• Use proper vehicle lighting.
• Use flashers anytime you use public roads. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) recommends two flashing amber lights, mounted at least 42 inches high, in both the front and rear.
• Comply with your state laws. Most state laws require using headlights 30 minutes before sunset, until 30 minutes after sunrise.
  
  Also use headlights whenever insufficient light or unfavorable weather conditions exist. ASAE recommends two headlights on the front, at the same level, positioned as far apart as possible. They also recommend one rear-left and one rear-right red taillight mounted as far apart as possible, and two red reflectors visible from the rear.
• Inspect hitches to verify they are sturdy and properly mounted before towing equipment or using wagons. Always use safety chains, if equipped.

We can all be a little safer this year by following these simple safety tips. Stay safe! Together we can!

http://www.nationwide.com/pre-harvest-safety.jsp

Falls from Tractors and Trailing Equipment Safety Facts and Tips

Runovers caused by falls from tractors and trailing equipment are one of the most common forms of unintentional injuries that happen on the farm or ranch. Many of these lead to serious injury and death. Falls from farm machinery are

particularly common for the older farmer and children. Falls from machinery can be prevented by adopting these basic practices.

• Wear shoes and boots with slip-resistant soles and heels.
• Keep platforms, foot-plates and steps clear of mud, snow, manure or other debris.
• Before moving, check the tractor and trailing equipment to see that no one has climbed aboard without your knowledge.
• Remove tools or other items that may cause a tripping hazard from the operator platform.
• Don't use working farm equipment as a place to baby-sit children. Arrange for proper childcare.
• Never allow anyone to ride on the drawbar or towed machinery.
• Insist that no one ride on farm equipment except those required for its operation, instruction, or diagnostics.
• Reduce speed on rough, uneven or hilly ground.
• Watch for obstacles.
• Wait for the tractor to stop before getting off. Set brakes and step down using handholds or rails. No one should jump off a moving tractor. Whenever possible, equip tractors with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) cab. They are more comfortable, give overhead protection, and prevent falls from tractors.

http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Pages/FallsfromTractorsandTrailingEquipment.aspx

Power Take Off (PTO) Safety Tips

The power-take-off (PTO) allows a farmer to harness the power of the tractor engine to drive a variety of machines. It is just as important today as it was when it was first introduced. However, a healthy respect for the PTO driveline's potential for causing injury and death is needed.

• Keep all PTO shielding (including the master shield) in place.
  
• Repair or replace damaged or missing shields.
• Stay safely away from unshielded moving parts.
• Watch your step when walking or working around a running machine.
• Wear work clothing with no loose ends or strings to catch on or be caught by machinery.
• Keep long hair under a cap or tied back to prevent it from being caught by the machinery.
• Keep children and non-workers out of the danger zone. 
• Stop the PTO when dismounting from the tractor

http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Pages/PowerTakeOffSafety.aspx

FC Friday Safety Tip

June 14, 2013

This weeks FC Friday Safety Tips is regarding Tractors and Implements Safety Tips. Please follow all safety procedures and recommendations from the manufacturer of all of your equipment. 

Below is a list of safety tips we recommend everyone follow.

• Keep tractor roll-over protection structures in place. If you have a tractor without one, get it installed today … and while you’re at it, buckle your seat belt.
• Prohibit riders on tractor fenders, hitches, attachments or implements.

  

  Keeping a fire extinguisher on your equipment can prevent
  major equipment damage and minimize personal injury

• Shield all PTO-powered equipment drive shafts, and keep kids at a distance from them.
• Never start or run gas or diesel engines in an enclosed area without being assured of good ventilation.
• Outfit tractors and farm trucks with fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
• Never exit a tractor or truck without placing it in park or engaging the emergency brakes.
• Never leave running power equipment unattended.
• Check and maintain equipment, especially hydraulic hoses and electrical cables showing cracks or other signs of wear. 

Again, please refer to your manufacturers' guidelines and recommendations when it comes to safety.

Stay safe! Together we can!