Combines are rolling across fields in Manitoba, and with many long work days ahead for producers completing harvest, it's important to put safety first.
Glen Blahey of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association firstly reminds producers to be conscious of the size of farm equipment and the blind spots that come with that. He recommends checking fields and yard sites before getting into the machine to ensure there are no vehicles or people close by.
"Periodically we hear stories about people getting a little too close and the operator not seeing them," he says, "as well as, sometimes at the end of the field, the operator will have to back up a piece of equipment and they back up into a parked pick up truck or something. So simply checking to make sure and be aware of what's around you is the most critical part before putting that piece of equipment into motion."
Conversely, Blahey also reminds motorists to be mindful of slow-moving farm equipment when they're moving on the road. He says if you as a driver can't see the mirrors on a combine or tractor on the road, the operator cannot see you in your vehicle.
He says when attempting to pass a piece of farm equipment, it's important to ensure there is no on-coming traffic, and to check the signal lights on the equipment.
Source : Portageonline