Safety First and Always at Harvest

Harvest time means long days working around heavy equipment. Safety needs to be at top of mind. 
 
 “This has been a great growing year with bumper crops, which will present harvesting challenges … which will require meticulous planning, careful equipment management, and close monitoring of the crops and storage,” said Luke Janiksela, Federated’s new director of safety (picking up where now-retired Tom Rausch left off).
 
Keep the following farm safety tips in mind to protect yourself, your family, and your workers so you can all reap the benefits of a good harvest.
 
Check the equipment:

• Keep equipment in good working order; check guards and shields; replace cracked PTO shields immediately.
• Whenever possible, use equipment with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) in place.
• Make sure tractors and implements have the recommended lighting, especially for early mornings or evenings.

Turn off the machine:

• Always shut down equipment before unclogging or making adjustments.
• Disengage the PTO and remove the key – remember to put it in a deep pocket before stepping off.

Take breaks, get good sleep:

• Don’t skip meals or push through fatigue.
• Take short breaks to stretch and clear your head.
• Stay hydrated and bring nutritious snacks to keep your energy up.
• Get proper and adequate sleep, even on the busiest days. 

Train extra workers:

• Provide safety training for neighbors, family, or friends who are helping – especially the youth! Never assume they know the safe way to do a task.
• Make sure all workers understand the equipment and tasks before they begin.

Remember good body mechanics … you aren’t as young as you were last harvest!

• Don’t overload yourself – make multiple trips with lighter loads.
• Keep objects close to your body.
• Lift with your knees, not your back.
• When you climb off and on machinery, maintain three points of contact.
• Avoid jumping off steps or platforms – to protect your joints.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Use ear plugs, gloves, and safety glasses as needed and wear sturdy footwear to protect against long-term injury and immediate hazards.

Roadway travel:

• Check all lights, reflectors, and slow-moving vehicle signs.
• Avoid road travel during busy morning and evening commutes.
• Use an escort vehicle if necessary.

Janiksela highlighted that everyone has a part to play for a safe and healthy harvest season. Be safe and do your part!