Harvest Safety

The combines are finally firing up and rolling through corn fields throughout the county.  One of the most taxing periods for Kentucky farmers and their families is the fall harvest season. This is a peak season for agricultural injuries and an especially important time for farm families to remember safety.  It is also a time for other drivers to be aware of the increasing number of implements sharing the roadways with them.

Long working hours can lead to fatigue and stress, making you less alert to potential safety hazards. Take some breaks when operating equipment for an extended period of time. If possible, trade off with other workers for a change of pace.

All workers should be trained and physically capable of operating equipment and understand the safety procedures for it. Take time to talk to workers about safety.

Dress appropriately for the job. Avoid loose clothing, jackets with dangling strings, and sweatshirts that could become entangled in moving equipment.

Entanglement in moving parts, especially Power Take-Offs or other chain and belt drives, is a major fall harvest hazard. Inspect machinery and equipment to be sure shields and guards on moving parts are in place and in good repair.  Replace ineffective or missing safety equipment. Before getting off field equipment, turn off the engine and wait for moving parts to completely stop.

It is a good idea to take the ignition key with you so another person does not unexpectedly start equipment while you are performing maintenance or repair. If you are working under any piece of equipment, such as a header unit, always use the jack stand or hydraulic cylinder locks to prevent it from suddenly falling and pinning you under.  Be sure all safety locks are operational.

A pinhole-size hydraulic leak can cause severe tissue damage. If you are injected with oil from a hydraulic leak, immediately seek medical assistance. The oil must be surgically removed, and delays can result in serious infections and possible amputations.  Always use paper or cardboard to check for hydraulic leaks.

Tractor overturns and run-overs are leading causes of farm deaths. Being thrown off a tractor and run over is the second leading cause of tractor deaths in Kentucky.  Equip older model tractors with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). Most tractors built after the late 1960s or early 1970s can be equipped with a ROPS for $600 to $1,200.

Make it a habit to use the seat belt to ensure you remain inside the zone of protection provided by the ROPS or safety cab. The seat belt also will keep you from being thrown off the tractor if you hit an obstacle.

Run-over injuries to extra riders, especially those involving children, who fall off are very tragic. Never allow any extra riders on tractors or equipment.

Keep bystanders away from operating equipment.  Also, be aware of people who may have come into the area. Check around equipment before starting or moving it.

Carry a fire extinguisher on all tractors and self-propelled equipment, chiefly combines. Frequently check extinguishers to ensure they are pressurized and in good condition. To prevent fires on combines, be sure equipment is clean and hoses and fuel systems are in good shape and not leaking. Remove debris around engine components.

Check for clearances with overhead power lines when operating or moving tall machines, because contact may result in electrocution. Moving portable augers around overhead power lines is especially hazardous so always lower them first.

Keep slow-moving-vehicle emblems and extremity markings clean and bright to help motorists notice equipment. Replace faded emblems and check headlights, taillights and flashing lights for satisfactory operation.

To alert oncoming drivers, use yellow reflectors or yellow retroreflective tape on the edges of towed equipment especially if they extend beyond the left side of a tractor. If a tractor has mirrors, keep them clean and adjusted for the driver to watch for approaching motorists. When possible, pull completely off the road to let a line of traffic behind pass.

At the same time, non-farm drivers need to be aware of the increasing number of farm vehicles and equipment on the road.  It is not a bad idea to leave for your destination a few minutes early just in case you encounter farm equipment.  Please do not get in a hurry and try to pass this equipment when it is not safe.  People’s lives (your’s, your passengers’, the farmer’s and bystanders) are at risk.  Also keep in mind that farm equipment cannot stop on a dime.  Please do not pass the equipment then come to an abrupt stop directly in front of them.

Proper equipment management along with using safety precautions around the farm, farm equipment and on the road will lead to a safer fall harvest season for everyone.

For more information on farm safety, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  The University of Kentucky is committed to a policy of providing opportunities to people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.