The Dos and Don'ts of Practicing Safe Farming
You know your land better than anyone. The equipment you use and the chores you take on are just a part of your daily routines. You have a big responsibility as a farmer and that responsibility comes with some risk. At Prairie State Tractor, we want to make sure our customers are taking care of themselves and their loved ones by putting safety measures into place. By following these tips, you can lower the risk of accidents around the farm.
Best Safety Tips for Operating Farm Equipment
1. DO take advantage of preventative maintenance.
One of the most surefire ways to keep your equipment running safely and smoothly is to have regular inspections done. Not only will you keep your machinery running up to date, but you’ll also be able to spot smaller issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns. Learn more about our service department and request an appointment by clicking here.
2. DON’T wear loose or nonprotective clothing.
The clothing you wear should match whatever the job at hand is. If you’re operating machinery and swapping out implements, make sure you have your arms and legs covered with a thick material to stay protected from potential snags. If you’re working with any chemicals or herbicides, make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing at all times.
3. DO read up on relevant equipment manuals.
Equipment manuals tell you everything you need to know about the equipment you’re operating. Make sure to freshen up on recent manuals and pay attention to the service checks, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting info, and component overviews provided. Not every machine runs the same so it’s important to familiarize yourself and comply with each piece of equipment’s rules.
4. DON’T leave tools or equipment out.
While kids should be warned to steer clear of all equipment on the property, precautions still need to be made to ensure their safety. Be sure to keep tools and chemicals locked up and make sure you keep equipment keys hidden away. For those who may find themselves around the equipment, provide proper training to all family members and any helping hands.
5. DO let others know your plans.
To ensure your safety, make sure a family member, coworker, or friend is aware of your location and schedule at all times. If an accident does occur, they will be able to track you down quickly and easily.
6. DON’T start your tractor in a closed shed.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you should never start your tractor, truck, or any other vehicle in a closed area. Make sure there are windows and doors that are open when you do crank the key, and quickly get to an open space outside.
7. DO protect your hearing.
With loud machines and equipment constantly running, farmers are exposed to high levels of noise exposure. Try to relocate your loud equipment to a lower-traffic area, and consider investing in hearing protection.
8. DON’T work through fatigue.
As much as we try to avoid it, long workdays and busy weekends can catch up with you quickly. If you feel exhaustion or fatigue creeping on, try to avoid operating heavy machinery until you are well-rested. Drinking plenty of water and taking regular snack breaks can help give you that extra boost of energy you need when you are working.
If you have any questions about your equipment, give our team a call. As a recent merger between Holland & Sons, Inc. and Kelly Sauder Rupiper Equipment LLC, Prairie State Tractor has the equipment and service needed to keep you running smoothly.