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News Advertiser insider
may 1, 2019
www.NewsAdvertiser.com
Prevent Tractor Runovers and Rollovers Alberta Agri-News According to the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting, the leading causes of farm fatalities across Canada are tractor runovers and rollovers. Although today’s tractors have many more safety features than machines of the past, they can still be extremely dangerous. Runovers Tractor run overs tend to happen when there is a lack of rules on when and how to approach equipment. “Setting clear rules, keeping a safe distance from working machines, conducting equipment walkarounds and having the discipline to not take short cuts will save more than just time,” says Blair Takahashi, farm safety specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “The risk of another person approaching unannounced or unexpectedly is increased because many farms are also homes. That can put those approaching a tractor in a dangerous situation.” Runovers also happen to operators, particularly if they exit equipment without properly engaging the brakes and kill the power to the machine. The following are some safety practices to adopt: 360 degree walk around equipment before startup and before movement. Shut down equipment before service or any equipment adjustments. Chock the wheels to prevent unintentional movement.
Alberta RCMP re secure t
Corpora RCMP Eastern Alberta Edmonton - Cropping season is about to begin in A in their fields. For many, this may mean filling up their slip ta facilities. Unsecured yards, combined with increase tunities for a quick buck for prolific criminals. In a recent Alberta RCMP analysis, fuel thefts and in the spring with peaks in the summer months. To remind Albertans to secure their yards this sea you can do to protect your farm equipment and oth
Educating bystanders on blind spots so they understand what you can and cannot see from the cab. Never allow kids to play on or near farm equipment, even when not in use. Rollovers The risk of injury or death due to tractor rollovers is high, particularly when operators do not properly wear seat belts or similar occupant restraints. “Some maneuvers increase the likelihood of a rollover such as turning on slopes, carrying raised objects, and sliding into ditches,” says Takahashi. “Spring typically has ever-changing soil conditions, so operators need to identify and take extreme care around these areas, even more so when trailing implements.” Some practices to follow to prevent farm-machinery rollovers: Keep a safe clearance from the edge of roadways. Have tractor wheels set as wide as possible. Reduce your speed while turning. Limit turning movements when driving up and down slopes. Keep heavy loads as low as possible when moving material. Be alert and minimize distractions when operating machinery. In response to the recent changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Code to include farms and ranches that employ waged, non-family workers, Alberta Labour is funding a farm health and safety producer grant that is administered by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
Neighbours know hoods. They know their neighbour’s something suspici as a license plate sure to report it to
Crime Prevention Tips: -Find more crime prevention tips in our special vi Environmental Design (CPTED) at youtube.com/ -install a security camera -install security lights with motion sensors -purchase a special locking fuel cap for your slip t -install a bolt lock on outbuildings To report suspicious activity, please contact your l call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), repo able through the Apple App or Google Play Store. Y you provide information to Crime Stoppers that lea
•Decrease your risk of being crushed by using lockout procedures before beginning any maintenance or repair work. Lockout means to physically neutralize all energies in a piece of equipment. Machines, devices or power transmission lines can be de-energized by applying blocks to all parts under tension or
pressure, bleeding the hydraulic pressure from the lines or by releasing pressure from a coil or spring. •When moving large machinery, be sure to check the location of power lines. Make arrangements with your service provider to ensure a safe route along a route you will travel between fields with large imple-
ments in travel mode. •When working with livestock always ensure you have an escape route planned and that you are wearing the appropriate gear for the job. For example – wear a helmet and appropriate footwear when riding a horse.
•Provide a safe, fenced play area for all children and supervise closely. The working area of the farm is not a playground any more than a construction site or other industrial area would be a play area. Review the safety rules on your farm with your family often. Fence off all manure, retaining ponds and dugouts,
and lock buildings containing hazardous goods. •Maintain all farm machinery in good working order and ensure all safety devices are in place and working properly. Guards and shields on PTOs, augers and belts are imperative to avoid entanglements. Wear tight-fitting clothing such as overalls and
avoid wearing any items that could easily become entangled such as long coats, scarves or clothing that is ripped. •Never perform maintenance on a machine or attempt to clear an obstruction while the machine is still running. Ensure the equipment is completely shut
