You're Never Too Busy for Safety

Photo from www.kubota.com

With planting season in full swing there is a huge increase in the amount of machinery currently being used.  Thanks to Mother Nature there is also a huge decrease in the amount of time that our row crop farmers have to finish planting and prepare for wheat harvest.  In all of the hustle and bustle, one major detail about farming that should never be left out is safety.

Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States.  Agriculture has the highest rate of occupational fatalities of any industry, more than five times the annual rate for all workers.  And the death rate in Kentucky agriculture is two to three times higher than the national average, primarily because of our high number of tractor and tractor overturn deaths.

No other farm machine is so identified with the hazards of production agriculture as the tractor. Today’s tractors are highly efficient in power and fuel economy. Powerful engines, hydraulic and electrical components and accessories, PTOs even at the front of some tractors, and a continually evolving choice of transmission types provide maximum power and fuel efficiency.  However, even with all of today’s technology, accidents can still happen.

The most important point of tractor safety is knowing your tractor. Know how the tractor handles and be alert to meet all potential emergencies. A good tractor operator has read the manual and practices these safety habits.

According to Dr. Dennis J. Murphy, Penn State Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health, the rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt, when worn, are the two most important safety devices to protect operators from death during tractor overturns. It is important to remember that the ROPS does not prevent tractor overturns, but it does prevent the operator from being crushed during an overturn. For the ROPS to provide the best protection, the operator must stay within the protective frame of the ROPS. Therefore, the operator must wear the seatbelt. Not wearing the seat belt may defeat the primary purpose of the ROPS.

A rollover protective structure often limits the degree of rollover, which may also reduce the probability of injury to the operator. A ROPS with an enclosed cab further reduces the likelihood of a serious injury because the operator is protected by the sides and windows of the cab assuming that the cab doors and windows were not removed.

Other tractor safety tips to take into consideration are:
• Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments and holes
• Reduce speed when turning or crossing slopes and on rough, slick or muddy surfaces
• Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation
• Watch where you are going, especially at row ends, on roads and around trees
• Don't permit others to ride, unless your tractor is equipped with a buddy seat that has a seatbelt
• Operate the tractor smoothly — no jerky turns, starts or stops
• Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by tractor manufacturers
• When tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and use parking brake if available
• Avoid the PTO shaft, do not step over or come in close proximity of to prevent entanglement

Not only are the above mentioned important to consider when operating a tractor or piece of heavy machinery, but routine maintenance and safety checks are also important.  The University of Missouri Extension has a publication out that suggest performing these daily maintenance checks prior to operation to increase the likelihood of safe tractor operation:
• Fuel supply — enough for the job
• Radiator water level — within 1/2 to 1 inch of cap
• Tire pressure — proper for work. Check operator's manual
• Check tires for cuts or breaks in the tread and sidewalls
• Water level in battery — into opening. Use clean water
• Transmission oil level — above add mark on dipstick. Check operator's manual for type to add
• Air cleaner — oil to mark. See operator's manual
• Check for loose parts, bolts and nuts
• Make sure all shields are in place
• Clean off platform of tools, mud, grease and any crop residue
• Check all lighting equipment and SMV emblems
• Check other items listed in operator's manual at intervals stated

One thing that I always tell in all of my private pesticide applicators courses that can be applied to any agriculture related operation is to always have an emergency plan.  Be sure to discuss with your family and farm employees what to do in case of an accident/emergency.  Post important contact numbers and emergency numbers around your operation and save into cell phones as well.  Let people know where you are going, what you are doing and about how long you should be if you are performing task alone.

I realize that all of this can be time consuming but you are never too busy for safety.  Remember there is someone waiting to see you again.

For more information on tractor and farm safety, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service 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.