Six Important Summer Farm Safety Reminders

Summer on the farm is one of the busiest times of the year, with hay to bale, cows to feed, wheat to harvest, and equipment to repair…all squeezed into days that never seem long enough. The demands of the season make it tempting to rush, but it’s never worth the risk of injury or equipment damage that could result in costly setbacks, sideline you for weeks or permanently change your life.

Here are some common farm safety practices you shouldn’t skip, even if you’re in a hurry.

Climb safely using three points of contact

• Jumping down from equipment or skipping the last step or two may save seconds, but a shattered ankle – and weeks in a walking boot while someone else does your chores – isn’t worth it.

Buckle up every time

• If your equipment has a rollover protective structure (ROPS) or cab, buckle your seat belt every time – even during frequent stops. On hillsides or near deep ditches where equipment can slide or overturn, your seat belt could be the difference between walking away from an incident…or suffering a life-changing injury.

Keep PTOs and guards in place

• Power take-offs (PTOs), belts, chains, and other moving equipment parts can cause life-altering injuries in seconds. Before operating equipment, ensure all guards and shields are properly installed and in good condition. Never step over or reach across a rotating PTO and always shut off the equipment and wait for all parts to stop before performing maintenance or clearing a blockage.

Stay ahead of heat stress

• While our brains might appreciate caffeine, our bodies need water. Dehydration, especially in excessive heat, can cause headaches or other symptoms that pull us out of the field. Remember: Hydrate, Rest, Shade.

Protect yourself from falls

• Wear a properly fitted harness and connect to an appropriate anchor point when climbing grain bins or working at elevated heights. Skipping may seem faster, but the consequences of a fall will last much longer.

Have a plan for severe weather

• Summer storms can develop quickly and create dangerous conditions during field work. Plan ahead and make sure everyone knows when and where to take shelter.

Every job on the farm is important, but making it home safely is the most important. Making safety part of every task, prevents injuries, reduces downtime, and keeps your operation moving forward all season.