Getting ready for this busy time probably involves tuning up the combine. It should also include reviewing best safety practices with everyone involved in your operation.
Taking time to plan for an emergency situation can have a huge impact on the outcome of an emergency on your farm and possibly save lives.
First, keep yourself safe. Harvest season tends to bring early mornings and late nights. Running equipment fatigued puts you and others at increased risk of injury. Do your best to prioritize rest.
Along with rest, keeping your body fueled and hydrated will help you to function better. I suggest packing extra snacks and water to have throughout the day and trying your best to not skip meals.
Dressing properly can also help keep you safe. Close-toed shoes with good grip and long pants are recommended. Avoid wearing baggy clothing that can get caught in equipment. Sunscreen and noise protection earmuffs are also good things to have along.
Many pieces of equipment that will be used this fall are only used once a year. Reviewing manuals before operating equipment can help familiarize yourself with the machine before running it in the field. If other people are helping your operation during harvest time they should be trained on the equipment before the season begins. Inexperience with equipment can be dangerous for everyone involved.
Extra hands to help during harvest time is great but can bring risks as well. I recommend everyone wears bright colors when working on the farm to keep people more visible. Educate children about safety around farm equipment. Designate a safe play area, and always check around and below equipment before moving.
Keeping the roads safe during the fall is a job for everyone on the roads. Farmers can do their job by keeping Slow Moving Vehicle emblems bright and clean and ensuring all lights on the equipment work. Farmers should also try to avoid busy roads and traveling during dusk, dawn and busy commute times.
Motorists should be prepared during this harvest season to slow down when coming up on farm equipment. Don’t assume the farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip.
I encourage you to slow down this harvest season and prioritize safety. Getting everyone home at night is the most important task of the day.
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