Farm Safety

ATV Safety

ATVs have become popular for work and recreation on many farms and ranches. Unfortunately, reported cases of serious injury and death have increased along with their increased use. Most of these injuries and deaths can be attributed to improper use of ATVs. Make ATV safety a priority on your farm or ranch.

• An ATV is not a toy. Children should not be permitted to operate ATVs without specialized training and then they should be allowed to only operate an ATV of an appropriate size.
• ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should be operated by people at least 12 years of age.
• ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc should only be operated by people at least 16 years of age.
• Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
• Read owners manuals carefully.
• ATVs are not made for multiple riders. Never carry anyone else on the ATV.
• Any added attachments affect the stability, operating and braking of the ATV.
• Just because an attachment is available doesn't mean that it can be used without increasing your risk of being injured.
• Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways or paved roads.

Inspection

• Are tires and wheels in good condition?
• Are controls and cable operational?
• Does the chain have proper slack and is it lubricated?
• Is riding gear (including a helmet) available and worn?
  

Chemical Safety

Crop protection chemicals are necessary to ensure the production of food from our nation's farms and ranches. They prevent unwanted weeds, insects, rodents, fungus and diseases. These chemicals must also be handled with care to reduce potential worker exposure.

• Always read packaging labels. All crop protection chemicals include information on the proper use of the chemical; it’s proper handling, safe storage and first aid information.
• Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the crop protection chemicals that you use. MSDS contain additional health hazard data, spill or leak procedures and handling information. Be sure to keep a set separate from the storage area.
• Have on hand and wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) required by the label. These can include: chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, hat and apron, approved respirator with cartridges for pesticides, and chemical protection goggles and face shield.
• Keep crop protection chemicals in storage areas that can be locked to keep bystanders and children out. Be sure to label the storage area as containing pesticides.
• Launder chemical-soiled clothing separately from other laundry and triple rinse.

Inspection

• Are all chemicals properly labeled?
• Are all chemicals in locked storage area?
• Is correct PPE available and used?
• Are MSDS maintained on all chemicals?
• Is application equipment operating properly?
• Is the mixing/loading area on concrete?

Farm Shop Safety 

Service and maintenance tasks can often lead to serious injury. The farm shop and the field are the primary locations where repair operations are completed. Make sure your farm shop is part of a farm safety solution, not a problem.

• Organize your workshop so that everything has a designated place. Make sure items are secure so they will not fall on anyone.
• Clean walkways to reduce trips and falls.
• When working on agricultural equipment, make sure that the equipment is turned off, all rotating parts have stopped moving, and safety locks are put in place.
• Keep all guards and shields in place on power equipment.
• Use hand tools only for their intended purpose.
• Equip your shop with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters to help prevent electrical shock.
• Make sure your shop is well lit. If the shop is heated, ensure it is properly vented and that flammable liquids are kept out of the shop area.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing repair jobs. Standard PPE for a farm shop should include leather gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, face shields, earplugs or muffs, steel-toed boots, respirators, hard hats, protective aprons and welding shields.

Inspection

• Are electrical cords undamaged?
• Is an appropriate fire extinguisher present and operable?
• Is a fully supplied first aid kit available?
• Are guards and shields in place?
• Are walkways clear of debris?
• Are chemicals stored in a locked cabinet?

Safe Use of Hand Tools

Tools have always been indispensable helpmates, and a good set of hand tools is essential for any farm shop, machinery or facility repair. Unfortunately, tools also contribute to countless injuries when used incompetently.

• Use the correct tool for the job.
• Keep tools in good condition. Handles should be tight and free from defect. Cutting tools should be kept sharp. Wedges and punches should be free from “mushroom heads”.
• Use and maintain power tools according to their instructions.
• Make sure power tools are properly grounded or are double insulated. Never cut the three-prong plug off or use a two prong adapter.
• Switch off and unplug power tools before changing blades or servicing and repairing.
• Wear clothing with no strings or loose ends to catch on things.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as glasses, goggles, dust masks, face shields, hearing protection, etc.
• Keep bystanders at a safe distance.
• Keep all guards and shields in place. Learn to use a “push stick” with table saws.
• Unplug and put tools away after use. Consider locking out power tools to prevent others from using them without permission, especially young children.

Inspection

• Are tools in safe condition?
• Are instruction manuals available?
• Are power tools properly grounded?
• Are guards and shields in place?
• Is PPE available?
• Are tools put away and properly stored?

Harvest Equipment Safety

Harvesting equipment is a necessity on farms to gather the crops for a bountiful harvest. Harvest time is primary revenue time on many farms and is also one of the peak periods for farm injuries and deaths. Many of these injuries can be prevented through effective farm safety management.

• Develop a "safety first" attitude. Follow safe work practices all the time and set a good example for others.
• Be physically and mentally fit before operating equipment. Fatigue, stress and worry can distract you from safely operating equipment. Take frequent breaks.
• Pay attention to all safety information. Read operator's manual and warning decals.
• Inspect the equipment and correct any hazards before operating.
• Identify hazardous areas on equipment and make sure you stay away from moving parts. Beware of pinch points, shear points, wrap points, pull-in areas, thrown objects, crush points, stored energy hazards and freewheeling parts.
• Make sure everyone who operates the equipment has the appropriate training and is physically able to operate it safely.
• Shut down equipment, turn off the engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop before dismounting equipment.
• Keep bystanders and others away from equipment operation area. Do not allow "extra riders", especially children.

Inspection

• Are PTO shields in place?
• Are guards and shields in place?
• Are safety locks operational?
• Are there any leaks in hydraulics?
• Is reflective "Slow Moving Vehicle" signage in place?
• Are lights working properly?
• Is a 20 lb. "ABC" fire extinguisher in place?

Livestock Handling

Farm workers, ranchers, family members and visitors are injured every year by livestock. Many of these injuries occur when handling livestock.

• Label livestock handling areas to warn away visitors.
• Design livestock pens and handling facilities using recommended plans.
• All facilities should be designed to allow workers easy access to and exit from animals.
• Make sure to consistently and properly use restraining equipment.
• Equip pens with emergency exits.
• Keep children and bystanders out of livestock handling areas.
• Animals can be unpredictable. Be sure you understand some of the common instincts of animals.

  • A strong territorial instinct is common.
  • Changes in lighting or shadows can excite or spook them.
  • Separation from other animals can cause unpredictable behavior.
  • Sudden or loud noises can frighten animals.
  • Some types of livestock, such as beef cattle, swine and dairy cattle, are colorblind and have poor depth perception. This causes them to be sensitive to contrasts in light, movement, and noises.
  • Cattle and horses can see everything around them except directly behind their hindquarters.

Inspection

• Are gates, fences or pens in good repair?
• Do aisles have any sharp projections?
• Is restraining equipment useable?
• Is an escape gate or path available?

Tractor Safety

Farm tractors provide the primary source of power on many farms. Studies show that the farm tractor is involved in a high proportion of farm fatalities and severe injuries. To avoid them, follow safe management principles and implement a tractor safety program on your farm.

• Develop a "safety first" attitude. Follow safe work practices all the time and set a good example for others.
• Be physically and mentally fit when operating tractors. Fatigue, stress, medication, alcohol and drugs can detract from safe tractor operation. Take breaks.
• Read operator's manual and warning decals. Pay attention to safety information.
• Equip the tractor with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) and wear seat belts.
• Inspect the tractor for any hazards and correct them before operating.
• Make sure everyone who operates a tractor has received training and is physically able to operate it safely.
• Shut down equipment, turn off engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop before dismounting equipment.
• Keep bystanders and others away from tractor operation area. Do not allow "extra riders," especially children.

Inspection

• Are ROPS in place and seat belts used?
• Is a PTO master shield in place?
• Is the operator's platform clear of debris?
• Is a reflective "Slow Moving Vehicle" emblem posted?
• Are lights and flashers operational?
• Are tires properly inflated?
• Is the hydraulics free from leaks?
• Are Brakes can be locked together?
• Is a 20 lb. "ABC" fire extinguisher in place?
• Is a fully equipped first aid kit on the tractor?

Sun and Heat Exposure

During late spring and summer many people like to spend time outside in the sun for fun or work. But overexposure to the sun can damage the skin and could cause skin cancer. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash are possible when your become overexerted in the heat. Put your health first in order to enjoy the summer.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool. This will also provide added protection from damaging sun exposure. Baseball caps provide little protection except to the face. A hat should protect the neck, face and ears.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt at all times. It should be light colored and loose fitting except when working around machinery.
• Carry a source of water with you. Take drinks frequently -- every 15 minutes.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool environment during the hottest times of the day.
• Adjust gradually to working in the heat over a period of 10-20 days.
• Someone suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke should be moved to a cool environment, offered sips of water, if conscious, and provided with attention from emergency medical personnel.
• Wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. Make sure children are also adequately protected.

Inspection

• Is fresh water available?
• Is sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on hand?
• Is protective clothing available and being worn?

Beware of Manure Gas

A confined-space hazard that often claims multiple lives before anyone realizes there is a danger is manure gas. Manure pits can be oxygen-deficient, toxic and explosive. There are four gases in manure pits that are of primary concern.

Hydrogen Sulfide is a highly toxic gas that is heavier than air. It can cause dizziness, unconsciousness and death. At low concentrations it may smell like rotten eggs, but at higher concentrations it deadens the sense of smell so that no odor can be detected.

Carbon dioxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that is heavier than air. It displaces the oxygen supply in the bloodstream, which can cause unconsciousness and death.

Ammonia is a gas that is lighter than air. It has a pungent smell and can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Ammonia also displaces oxygen in the bloodstream.

Methane is also a gas that is lighter than air. The primary hazard of methane gas is that it can create an explosive atmosphere. This gas also displaces oxygen.

• Never enter a manure pit alone.
• Label the manure pit and manure storage areas to warn of the gas hazards.
• Obtain and use monitoring equipment to determine the level of gases present in the manure storage area.
• A self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn when entering a manure storage area and the person wearing it should be trained in its use. A safety harness should also be worn and personnel should be available outside the storage area to monitor the entrant’s progress.

Inspection

• Do fences/metal-grill covers restrict pit access?
• Are manure gas warning labels near pit?

Beware of Silo Gas

Silo gas is a confined hazard that is formed after chopped silage is loaded into the silo. A natural fermentation process takes place, releasing gases. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are of the greatest concern. These gases can kill with even minimal exposure. NO2 is toxic while CO2 displaces the oxygen supply in a silo. Farmers should make sure everyone takes the proper steps to protect themselves from silo gas.

• Label silo to warn of the gas hazards.
• Be aware of the signs of silo gas such as a yellow-brown color in the air or a bleach-like odor.
• Lock access to silos to keep bystanders and children out.
• Do not enter silos after filling has started. Silo gas concentration may be the highest 48-72 hours after filling. Lethal concentrations may exist for up to three weeks in poorly ventilated silos.
• Run the blower to ventilate the silo at least 20 minutes before entering.
• Obtain and use monitoring equipment to determine the level of NO2, CO2 or O2 present. If dangerous levels exist, do not enter.
• A self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn when entering a silo and the person wearing it should be trained in its use. A safety harness should also be worn and personnel should be available outside the silo to monitor the entrant’s progress.

Inspection

• Is monitoring equipment operational?
• Is a safety harness being used?
• Is the silo well ventilated?
• Are silo doors in good repair?
• Are ladders in good condition?
• Is lockout available for power?
• Are guards and shields in place?

Grain Bin Safety

Storage and handling of large volumes of grain or feed on farms is common in many areas. Automated equipment has made handling of grain easy and fast. But, grain storage structures and handling equipment create hazardous work areas. Farm workers should make sure they take the proper steps to put safety first to prevent injuries, illnesses and even death.

• Label grain bins to warn of entrapment hazards.
• Lock entrances to grain handling areas to keep bystanders and children out.
• Install ladders inside bins.
• Do not enter grain bins that are being loaded or unloaded. Flowing grain can trap and suffocate you in seconds.
• If it is necessary to enter a bin, shut off and lockout power before entering. Use a safety harness and safety line. Have several people available outside the bin to lift entrant out in case of an emergency.
• Wear NIOSH-approved dust-filtering respirators when working in and around grain handling areas. High amounts of dust and molds could be present and are extremely dangerous.
• Wear approved hearing protection when working around noisy equipment, aeration fans, dryers, etc.
• Be very cautious of grain that may have gone out of condition. Crusted grain may have cavities beneath the surface that can collapse, leading to entrapment and suffocation.
• Keep bystanders and children away from grain bins and grain handling equipment.

Inspection

• Are ladders in good condition?
• Is lockout available for power?
• Is electrical equipment safe?
• Are overhead power lines nearby?
• Are approved respirators available?
• Are guards and shields in place?

Information provided by the National Safety Council