According to the USDA, approximately 130 million tons of corn silage were produced in the U.S. in the past year. It is the main forage included in dairy cattle rations. Therefore, safety when handling silage should be a top priority.
There are six main hazards when it comes to silage: 1) complacency and fatigue, 2) entanglement by machinery, 3) rollover by machinery, 4) fall from heights, 5) crushing by silage avalanche or collapse, and 6) silo gases. By regularly taking safety precautions at each of these hazard points, we can ensure that our farm workers return home safely at the end of the day.
It costs nothing to implement safety practices, but it may cost us everything if we don’t.
Reducing complacency and fatigue
Many tasks on a farm become second nature when performed day in and day out. However, time should always be taken to train personnel to be aware of the hazards around these tasks. Training should occur well before it is time to harvest silage. The feed storage area is no place for rookies, young children, pets or uninformed bystanders. Additionally, we know that tired operators are more likely to make mistakes, so consider the following to reduce fatigue on your silage team:
- Make sure workers get a good night’s sleep and take periodic 15- to 20-minute breaks to remain effective and alert.
- Consider rotating shifts for your workers.
- Make sure workers eat nutritious meals throughout the day.
Entanglement or machinery rollover
To reduce the possibility of entanglement, leave machine guards and shields in place for protection from rotating shafts, chain and v-belt drives, as well as gears and pulleys on silage feeding equipment. Never attempt to adjust, repair or unclog any machine while it is running. During equipment inspection or service of equipment, shut down the engine, wait for the machine to come to a complete stop and then pocket the key to prevent accidental starting by another person.
Additionally, make sure operators are using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize their exposure to certain hazards. This includes wearing a seatbelt when operating equipment and wearing high-visibility clothing. Back-up warning alarms should be used on all trucks and tractors. Never walk in front of or behind a tractor or truck without making direct eye contact with the operator. Also, consider the use of headsets or other hands-free devices to reduce distractions from calls or text messages when operating equipment.
Falling risks
To prevent falls from high places, use caution when removing plastic, oxygen-barrier film, tires, tire sidewalls, or gravel bags from the surface of bunkers and piles. Never stand closer to the edge of the face of the bunker than the height of it. Use equipment operating from the ground level to remove spoiled silage from the surface of a bunker or pile. If silage is stored in a vertical silo, make sure to face the ladder when ascending and descending, and move at a comfortable and even pace. Additionally, maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. This could be two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet. Shoes and ladder rungs can become slippery with plant material and moisture, so ensure good foot traction and hand grip with each step.
Silage avalanche or collapse
Before filling silos, make sure to inspect structures for cracks or any other damage that would compromise its ability to contain silage. When filling bunkers or making drive-over piles, do not fill them higher than what the unloading equipment can safely reach. Silage faces are unpredictable and can collapse at any time. During feedout, make sure to park equipment a safe distance away from the face. A general rule of thumb is to park equipment three times the distance away from the face as it is tall. If a sample needs to be collected, make sure to do so using a defacer or bucket loader to keep a safe distance as well. Be careful not to undercut the silage face. Always pay attention to your surroundings and never think that an avalanche cannot happen to you.
Silo gases
Silo gases are created soon after silage storage structures are filled. These gases are formed by the natural fermentation of chopped silage shortly after being placed in horizontal silos, vertical silos and horizontal bags. The two most dangerous gases are carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Carbon dioxide is an odorless, colorless gas that displaces oxygen and can cause asphyxiation. Nitrogen dioxide is a very toxic gas characterized by a strong, bleach-like odor and low-lying yellow, red or dark brown fumes. Exposure to high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide can cause death within minutes, and the victim would not likely have time to detect respiratory symptoms.
To avoid exposure to dangerous silo gases, avoid entering the silo for at least three weeks after filling. If you need to enter the silo, make sure to never work alone, use a radio or other method to communicate if you need help and use gas monitoring equipment. If a worker is entering a vertical silo, make sure to run the blower for 20 to 45 minutes beforehand. If available, and you have received proper training, use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA). If you experience throat irritation or coughing in the silo, get to fresh air immediately. See a doctor as soon as possible after exposure to silo gas, as this can be fatal.
By following these practices, you should be on your way to a safe and productive silage season.
References omitted but are available upon request by sending an email to the editor.
