Harvest Safety

By Mark Purschwitz, Ph.D. Extension Professor Agricultural Safety and Health

Fall harvest is a stressful time for any farmer, physically as well as financially. Many hazards can take away life and limb in an instant, and the hurried pace of harvest makes it more likely that someone will fall victim. Here are a few hazards and precautions to keep in mind; be aware that every farm is different and may have additional hazards.

Machinery Hazards

• Make sure all shields and other safety devices are in place and properly secured. • Review equipment manuals before heading to the field. • Properly train everyone operating or working around a machine. • The safest place for the operator is in the seat. Avoid field problems by keeping equipment properly adjusted and repairing or replacing worn parts. • Be mindful of the speed of machine components. For example, in a single second, a standard 540 RPM PTO shaft will make nine revolutions and can pull seven feet of entangled clothing. • Always shut off the engine or lock out electrical power before unplugging equipment. • When other people are around, such as when hooking up or unloading, be extra cautious before backing up or driving away. Make sure you know where everyone is.

• Always start tractors or other machines from the operator’s platform. Never bypass-start a tractor (never use a tool to short across the starter terminals, bypassing all safety switches.) • If a machine is stuck, bring in equipment large enough to safely pull it out. Only use equipment and components designed for the forces involved. For example, a stretched nylon rope can break a clevis and cause it to fly back at fatal speeds.

Transport Hazards

• Always use a locking hitch pin, large enough for the load being pulled. • Check tires for proper inflation and replace them if they will not hold up to road use. You will be liable if a tire fails and someone else gets hurt. • Be sure brakes can stop the load being pulled. • Lock tractor brake pedals together for roadway travel. • Have a bright, clean, SMV emblem and other markings on any equipment taken on the road. • Make sure headlights and flashing lights work, and use them on the road even in daylight.

• Use escort vehicles for over-width equipment. • Pull over when safe, to allow traffic to pass.

Fire Hazards

• Keep harvesting equipment free from trash buildup, especially around the engine or exhaust where it can catch on fire. Inspect

for fuel or oil leaks that can result in fire. • Have fire extinguishers available in the field on harvesting equipment and around the farmstead.

Crop Storage Hazards

• Do a complete assessment of the hazards involved in entering crop storage facilities such as grain bins and silos; always use proper entrance procedures. • Always turn off, de-energize, and lock out electrical power before entering grain storage facilities or working on related equipment. • Use fall protection as appropriate; have lifelines, harnesses, and other equipment available as needed. • Keep personal protective equipment on hand, such as respiratory, hearing, eye protection, etc. • Stay out of upright silos (silage) for three weeks, to avoid toxic silo gas, and blow it out before entering the first time. • Be aware of runover hazards from trucks and machinery around storage facilities, and modify traffic patterns as needed.

Falls

• Keep operator’s platform free of tools or other objects. • Clean ladders, steps, etc., from mud and other slippery materials • Wear work shoes with non-slip soles. • Always keep three points of contact when mounting or dismounting – two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. • Only use stable ladders or platforms for maintenance and repairs. • Be aware of the effects of aging,

Human Factors

• Get plenty of sleep; don’t rely on stimulants. • No alcohol or drugs; be aware of any adverse effects from medications, such as drowsiness. • Take periodic breaks; if eating in the field, still allow time to relax for 15-20 minutes. • Dress for comfort but also for safety. • Only assign age-appropriate tasks. • Do not allow extra riders on machinery unless a second seat is provided. • Wear hearing protection around loud equipment, both field and farmstead.

Emergency Preparedness

• Check in periodically with people who are working alone. • Have a well-stocked first aid kit. • Have fire extinguishers and make sure people know how to use them. • Think about how to give directions to fields; first responders may only know the location of your home or farmstead. • Be prepared to help first responders get through mud.

No List of Hazards Can Be Complete

Remember, this is not intended to be a complete, comprehensive list of hazards. Every farm is different, and owners/ managers must inspect for hazards, remove or mitigate those hazards, and train workers (including family members) accordingly.

Special acknowledgements to Iowa State University’s fact sheet, “Harvest Safety Yields Big Dividends,” by Mark Hanna, Charles V. Schwab, and Laura Miller.

*This article first appeared in the fall 2018 BAE Extension Newsletter. Mark Purschwitz, Ph.D., is an Extension Professor in Agricultural Safety and Health.