Farm Safety Tips

As rewarding as a career in Agriculture can be, there are many occupational hazards that come along with the territory.  Unfortunately, most all of us have been or know someone who has been involved with farm-related accident.  And it isn't because we/they were careless. Like most farm accidents, they occurred during everyday activities.

The fact is farming and farms are dangerous. There are hazards literally everywhere you look.  Safety hazards should not deter you from farming or from moving to one. However, thinking about safety and making it a part of everything you do on your farm is important. Make your farm a safer place, and you will be able to thrive on it.  Here are several farm safety tips for you to consider:

Farm Buildings and Grounds

·         Perform a safety check of buildings and grounds for obvious fire hazards and hazardous materials.

·         Store farm chemicals securely where kids and animals can't access them. Then make a list of the chemicals for firefighters in the event of a fire on your property.

·         Keep weeds and grasses trimmed so tractor and ATV drivers won't run into hidden obstacles and holes that can cause the vehicle to overturn.

·         Maintain clean and neat work areas with tools stored out of the way.

·         Establish a safety boundary around gas and diesel fuel tanks and other flammable substances.

Personal Farm Safety

·         Don't wear loose clothing around equipment or work areas.

·         Use safety equipment the way it was intended. That means appropriate gloves, hearing protection and safety eyewear, not to mention face masks and respirators when working in dusty conditions.

·         Always have a helper nearby when entering grain bins, breeding pens or other high-risk areas.

·         Discuss safety concerns with children as you explain safe handling and operating procedures. Practice what you preach, and they will practice it, too.

Tractors and Implements

·         Keep tractor roll-over protection structures in place. If you have a tractor without one, get it installed today … and while you’re at it, buckle your seat belt.

·         Prohibit riders on tractor fenders, hitches, attachments or implements.

·         Shield all PTO-powered equipment drive shafts, and keep kids at a distance from them.

·         Never start or run gas or diesel engines in an enclosed area without being assured of good ventilation.

·         Outfit tractors and farm trucks with fire extinguishers and first aid kits.

·         Never exit a tractor or truck without placing it in park or engaging the emergency brakes.

·         Never leave running power equipment unattended.

·         Check and maintain equipment, especially hydraulic hoses and electrical cables showing cracks or other signs of wear.

Livestock

·         Keep animals in good health. An animal in pain and discomfort can react aggressively.

·         Treat farm animals with respect. If understand their behavior, you'll be ready for their actions.

·         Take extra care with farm animals at breeding and birthing

For more information on Farm Safety, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.