Staying Safe with Life-Critical Rules

Farmers from North Dakota to Indiana are anxious to start the season’s harvest as the days shorten and the crops dry down. But before you head to the fields, take a moment to review important safety procedures.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agriculture industry is consistently at the highest risk for injuries and fatalities. Between 2021-2022, there were 21,020 agriculture-related injuries that required days away from work.

Most accidents involve transportation accidents such as tractor rollovers, caught in running machinery, highway collisions between farm equipment and other vehicles, being struck by falling parts, and equipment contacting overhead or underground power lines.

Dairyland Seed and Corteva Agriscience employees are trained to stay safe by following life-critical rules, and it’s good advice for anyone. With these risks in mind, here are 10 safety tips to protect yourself and your team during harvest season:

1. Conduct Thorough Pre-Operation Inspections: Check all machinery before entering fields. Ensure safety guards and shields are in place and address maintenance issues. Proper training on working with equipment is critical for all your farm employees.
2. Practice the “Not Alone” Factor: Work in pairs whenever possible. If working alone, inform someone of your location and task. Arrange for check-in calls every 15-20 minutes, especially if you repair equipment.
3. Follow Roadway Safety: Equip all vehicles with proper lighting and slow-moving vehicle signs. When possible, use escort vehicles for large equipment.
4. Practice Grain Bin and Auger Safety: Never enter a grain bin alone. Always use a safety harness when working at heights. Keep children away from grain handling areas. Regularly inspect grain bin ladders and access points. Always ensure someone is with you or knows when you are at the grain bin.
5. Be Prepared for Emergencies: Keep well-stocked first aid kits and fire extinguishers readily available in all work areas and vehicles. Review emergency action plans with all workers.
6. Stay Weather-Aware: Monitor forecasts closely and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. Exercise extra caution in wet or muddy conditions.
7. Protect Children on the Farm: Designate safe play areas away from equipment and work zones. Take extra precautions when allowing extra riders on tractors or other machinery.
8. Manage Fatigue Effectively: Long hours are often unavoidable during harvest, but fatigue can be dangerous. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious meals. If you’re tired, stop and rest rather than risk an accident.
9. Manage Stress: Harvest is a high-stress time for farmers. Besides worrying about the weather, working long hours, and getting less sleep, farmers think about grain markets, low prices, when to sell grain, and whether to store grain. Talk to your doctor, therapist or counselor about ways to manage stress.
10. Communicate and Plan: Review safety protocols with your family and workers before harvest begins. Create a comprehensive communication plan for emergencies.

Following these 10 rules and implementing the safety measures outlined above can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a statistic. Remember, taking a few extra minutes for safety can prevent devastating accidents that could cost hours, days, or even lives.