Farm safety is often top of mind in our industry and especially in the fall. Not only is it the busy harvest season, but The National Education Center for Agriculture Safety recognizes National Farm Safety and Health Week, this year from Sept. 15-21. The 2024 theme is “Don’t learn safety by accident,” which is an important reminder, especially when we talk about safety best practices around farm equipment.
Farming can be dangerous – for the operators and bystanders, and even dangerous for the farmer's pocketbook when repair or replacement costs are incurred. The risk of downtime and injury increases when tractors, implements and other pieces of machinery are used improperly. For example, engaging in tasks not meant for the machine, operation by untrained people, use without proper maintenance or even operator carelessness can cause safety issues when operating farm equipment. Knowing how your equipment operates, executing proactive maintenance routines and regularly reminding your crew about safety practices are all key to avoiding accidents with farm equipment.
Let’s look at a few best practices to prioritize safe and productive equipment operation on your farm.
1. Prepare prior to operation
Before you start in the field for the day, always walk around the machine to check for anything that could cause an issue. Inspect tires, belts, chains, cutting parts, safety features and more for broken, missing or loose components that could malfunction during operation. As you begin running the equipment to start a new day or a new field, consider turning the radio off for the first several minutes to listen for any potential issues with the machine or its implement.
Before you even move the equipment for the day or after you have stopped, exited and reentered the cab, make sure you can visually see any other people present in the field or yard. Communicate well with others who may be coming to the field to deliver a part, ride along or bring lunch, just so all equipment operators are aware of people present in the field.
2. Improve visibility
Use upgraded lighting and technology to ensure you can see and your equipment can be seen well. Bright LED beacon lights, light bars and warning lighting can not only help improve your visibility in the field on those late nights but also help you be seen by other drivers on the roads.
Installing observation cameras allows you to see additional views of what is happening around the equipment, while keeping your focus on operation. Observation cameras are particularly helpful on larger machines where there may be blind spots or it is difficult to see behind you. Additionally, rear detection sensors can be installed to alert you of objects, obstacles or people behind the machinery.
Make sure reflective tape and orange slow-moving vehicle triangles are not broken or damaged. Replace them, if so.
Engage cylinder safety stops when working underneath mowers. Photo courtesy of Case IH Parts & Service.
3. Reduce fire risk
Fire risk is high around farm equipment, especially in fields where dry crops are being harvested. Remember to regularly remove debris and crop residue buildup from your equipment, particularly around moving parts.
Large amounts of dry material like this create an ideal fire starter if overheating occurs with any components – commonly bearings, if they are not maintained well. Remember to consistently fill bearings with grease to avoid failure and overheating. Also, consider using an infrared temperature gun to check for overheating bearings during operation. Fire and water extinguishers should also be readily available around equipment. Check the pressure gauge on fire or water extinguishers and replace or refill them if they are low.
4. Always use safety features
In hay and forage operations, remember to always engage the safety features on your balers and mowers. Round balers have a lock on the back gate to ensure the gate stays open while working inside the baler. Some mowers, depending on the type, will have safety stops on the cylinders to ensure cutterbar suspension does not fail when being worked on. Consider reinforcing jacks with blocks or a second jack, in case of failure when working underneath equipment.
Make it a habit to put equipment in park or apply the parking brake before exiting the cab. Also, ensure your crew understands the importance of using seatbelts.
5. Prioritize safety with your crew
Instill safety best practices with your crew regularly through safety meetings or posting reminders around the shop. Align a plan with everyone involved in case something goes wrong in the field. Ensure everyone knows how to unhook a baler in case of fire, engage a water extinguisher, operate the observation cameras and conduct a full walk-around of the equipment they are operating.
6. Dress for safety
It is repeated a lot in our industry but for good reason – do not wear loose-fitting or frayed clothing around equipment and know when or where to use eye and ear protection. There are so many moving, loud components on farm machinery, and loose material can get caught or thrown, causing severe injury.
7. Maintenance between seasons
Completing regular maintenance or scheduling an equipment inspection with your local dealership can help identify any potential issues early. Your local dealer will complete a multipoint inspection to call out areas of the machine that need attention, repair or replacement.
Breakdowns happen, and unfortunately so do accidents. However, engaging in proactive activities to promote best practices like these on the farm will help ensure you operate safely and keep your crew and equipment out of danger. Lean on your local equipment dealer for additional advice, maintenance products and equipment upgrades.
This article was written on behalf of Case IH Parts & Service.
