Ensuring Safety During Harvest Season: 35 Actionable Tips

Working in agriculture can be rewarding and fulfilling. But it can also be exhausting, difficult and dangerous — especially during harvest season. Farm equipment safety goes a long way to making sure that everyone remains healthy and in good shape during the season.  

So before harvest season begins, take a little time to check on your farm machinery safety and review these fall harvest safety tips. Those extra few minutes spent ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you can make all the difference in the world.  

35 Actionable Tips for You 

We’ve gathered 35 tips you can use as a guideline to oversee your own farm equipment’s condition and the safety procedures you use around it. Here’s to a great season. 

First: Always Be Prepared 

1. Only allow properly trained personnel to operate machinery. Ensure that your training, as well as the training of your co-workers and employees, is comprehensive and up to date. This is especially important for machinery that you only use seasonally. It might be a good idea for everyone to get a refresher on operating that piece of equipment — better safe than sorry.
2. Make sure everyone working on your land knows the legal land descriptions for fields and yards, in case of an emergency.
3. Encourage first aid training in the event that an accident happens and someone needs care right away.
4. Ensure that everyone knows where first aid kits and fire extinguishers are located — and how to use them.
5. Collect emergency contact information for everyone who works with your agriculture business, whether or not they’re employed by you. You never know who might be around when an accident occurs.
6. Keep a supply of PPE and well-maintained tools accessible to everyone who is part of your agriculture business.
7. Consider purchasing spare parts for critical equipment so that they’re always on hand if something breaks.
8. Make certain you have proper lighting in sheds, barns and yards. A well-lit working environment is critical for safety.
9. If you work alone, tell someone where you will be and when you plan to be back. Carry a way to communicate with you, such as a phone or a two-way radio.
10. Teach children to stay away from operating machinery and grain bins.
11. Always supervise older children as they learn about your machinery and begin helping with the harvest. 

Next: Practice Maintenance Safety 

1. Perform operational checks regularly, including looking for wiring damage. Refer to your operator’s manual for maintenance guidance.
2. Check that all emergency stop buttons are functioning and accessible, which will protect you if something goes awry.
3. Fix any broken railings, ladders or platforms as soon as possible, and post signs to keep people off the equipment until you can fix them.
4. Keep walkways, platforms and work areas clean and free of obstacles.
5. Check the lights on your machinery so that when you’re on the road, other drivers can tell that you are in a large, slow-moving piece of equipment.
6. Remove dust and buildup from machinery and check bearings regularly to prevent overheating.
7. Inspect tires and replace any that are worn or cracked.
8. When working under machinery, always use a safety prop.

Stay Alert: Use Equipment Safely 

1. Always ensure that the person operating machinery can see you approach. Do so slowly and from the front, making eye contact with the operator to be sure that they see you and know you’re on your way.
2. Make sure all machinery is fully stopped when you climb on or off of it.
3. Stay away from machinery that’s in operation.
4. Avoid pinch points between machinery where visibility is low.
5. Monitor the weight of a grain wagon to ensure it doesn’t exceed the limit. Be sure to evenly disperse the weight to avoid instability.
6. Don’t try to unplug equipment without removing it from all power sources.
7. Never pull anything out of a plugged machine while it’s in operation.
8. Allow engines to cool before you refuel and use blocks if the equipment can roll.
9. When working in a grain bin, wear a harness attached to a secure rope, work with others and wear a dust mask or respirator. Stay out when equipment is running.
10. Keep all shields and safety equipment in place.
11. Never leave running equipment unattended.

Finally: Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

31. Take care of your health, since being sleepy or feeling unwell can be a major risk factor for your alertness and ability to think under pressure. Get enough sleep and take breaks when needed. Get out and walk around frequently and consider rotating tasks every few hours to help stay alert. Be sure to stay hydrated as well.
32. Be aware of how medications and substances may impact your ability to operate machinery.
33. Be cautious in situations where a fall is possible (wet or slippery conditions, climbing into and out of machinery) and always mount or dismount properly using grab bars.
34. Watch for power lines and tree limbs; use a spotter if you’re near potential hazards.
35. Wear clothing that fits well — baggy clothing is more easily caught in machinery — and ensure you have proper non-slip, closed-toe footwear.

An important aspect of farm safety is ensuring that everyone on the farm complies. Set an example for your family, co-workers and employees by making safety your top priority. 

Protect Your Business

Unfortunately, despite all your preparation, accidents still can and do happen. Be sure that your agricultural business is protected. Reach out to Farm Bureau to talk through your needs and help you obtain the coverage you’re looking for.