ATV Safety
ATVs have become popular for work
and recreation on many farms and ranches. Unfortunately, reported
cases of serious injury and death have increased along with their
increased use. Most of these injuries and deaths can be attributed
to improper use of ATVs. Make ATV safety a priority on your farm or
ranch.
- An ATV is not a toy. Children should not be
permitted to operate ATVs without specialized training and then
they should be allowed to only operate an ATV of an appropriate
size.
- ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should
be operated by people at least 12 years of age.
- ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc
should only be operated by people at least 16 years of age.
- Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell
ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots,
long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
- Read owners manuals carefully.
- ATVs are not made for multiple riders. Never
carry anyone else on the ATV.
- Any added attachments affect the stability,
operating and braking of the ATV.
- Just because an attachment is available doesn't
mean that it can be used without increasing your risk of being
injured.
- Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways or
paved roads.
Inspection
- Are tires and wheels in good condition?
- Are controls and cable operational?
- Does the chain have proper slack and is it
lubricated?
- Is riding gear (including a helmet) available and
worn?
Chemical
Safety
Crop protection chemicals
are necessary to ensure the production of food from our nation's
farms and ranches. They prevent unwanted weeds, insects, rodents,
fungus and diseases. These chemicals must also be handled with care
to reduce potential worker exposure.
- Always read packaging labels. All crop protection
chemicals include information on the proper use of the chemical;
it’s proper handling, safe storage and first aid information.
- Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the
crop protection chemicals that you use. MSDS contain additional
health hazard data, spill or leak procedures and handling
information. Be sure to keep a set separate from the storage area.
- Have on hand and wear the personal protective
equipment (PPE) required by the label. These can include:
chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, hat and apron,
approved respirator with cartridges for pesticides, and chemical
protection goggles and face shield.
- Keep crop protection chemicals in storage areas
that can be locked to keep bystanders and children out. Be sure to
label the storage area as containing pesticides.
- Launder chemical-soiled clothing separately from
other laundry and triple rinse.
Inspection
- Are all chemicals properly labeled?
- Are all chemicals in locked storage area?
- Is correct PPE available and used?
- Are MSDS maintained on all chemicals?
- Is application equipment operating properly?
- Is the mixing/loading area on
concrete?
Farm Shop
Safety
Service and
maintenance tasks can often lead to serious injury. The farm shop
and the field are the primary locations where repair operations are
completed. Make sure your farm shop is part of a farm safety
solution, not a problem.
- Organize your workshop so that
everything has a designated place. Make sure items are secure so
they will not fall on anyone.
- Clean walkways to reduce trips and
falls.
- When working on agricultural
equipment, make sure that the equipment is turned off, all
rotating parts have stopped moving, and safety locks are put in
place.
- Keep all guards and shields in
place on power equipment.
- Use hand tools only for their
intended purpose.
- Equip your shop with Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupters to help prevent electrical shock.
- Make sure your shop is well lit. If
the shop is heated, ensure it is properly vented and that
flammable liquids are kept out of the shop area.
- Wear personal protective equipment
(PPE) when performing repair jobs. Standard PPE for a farm shop
should include leather gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, safety
glasses, face shields, earplugs or muffs, steel-toed boots,
respirators, hard hats, protective aprons and welding shields.
Inspection
- Are electrical cords undamaged?
- Is an appropriate fire extinguisher
present and operable?
- Is a fully supplied first aid kit
available?
- Are guards and shields in place?
- Are walkways clear of debris?
- Are chemicals stored in a locked
cabinet?
Safe Use of
Hand Tools
Tools have always been
indispensable helpmates, and a good set of hand tools is essential
for any farm shop, machinery or facility repair. Unfortunately,
tools also contribute to countless injuries when used incompetently.
- Use the correct tool for the job.
- Keep tools in good condition. Handles should be
tight and free from defect. Cutting tools should be kept sharp.
Wedges and punches should be free from “mushroom heads”.
- Use and maintain power tools according to their
instructions.
- Make sure power tools are properly grounded or
are double insulated. Never cut the three-prong plug off or use a
two prong adapter.
- Switch off and unplug power tools before changing
blades or servicing and repairing.
- Wear clothing with no strings or loose ends to
catch on things.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE), such as glasses, goggles, dust masks, face shields, hearing
protection, etc.
- Keep bystanders at a safe distance.
- Keep all guards and shields in place. Learn to
use a “push stick” with table saws.
- Unplug and put tools away after use. Consider
locking out power tools to prevent others from using them without
permission, especially young children.
Inspection
- Are tools in safe condition?
- Are instruction manuals available?
- Are power tools properly grounded?
- Are guards and shields in place?
- Is PPE available?
- Are tools put away and properly stored?
Harvest
Equipment Safety
Harvesting equipment is a
necessity on farms to gather the crops for a bountiful harvest.
Harvest time is primary revenue time on many farms and is also one
of the peak periods for farm injuries and deaths. Many of these
injuries can be prevented through effective farm safety management.
- Develop a "safety first" attitude. Follow safe
work practices all the time and set a good example for others.
- Be physically and mentally fit before operating
equipment. Fatigue, stress and worry can distract you from safely
operating equipment. Take frequent breaks.
- Pay attention to all safety information. Read
operator's manual and warning decals.
- Inspect the equipment and correct any hazards
before operating.
- Identify hazardous areas on equipment and make
sure you stay away from moving parts. Beware of pinch points,
shear points, wrap points, pull-in areas, thrown objects, crush
points, stored energy hazards and freewheeling parts.
- Make sure everyone who operates the equipment has
the appropriate training and is physically able to operate it
safely.
- Shut down equipment, turn off the engine, remove
key and wait for moving parts to stop before dismounting
equipment.
- Keep bystanders and others away from equipment
operation area. Do not allow "extra riders", especially children.
Inspection
- Are PTO shields in place?
- Are guards and shields in place?
- Are safety locks operational?
- Are there any leaks in hydraulics?
- Is reflective "Slow Moving Vehicle" signage in
place?
- Are lights working properly?
- Is a 20 lb. "ABC" fire extinguisher in place?
Livestock
Handling
Farm workers, ranchers,
family members and visitors are injured every year by livestock.
Many of these injuries occur when handling livestock.
- Label livestock handling areas to warn away
visitors.
- Design livestock pens and handling facilities
using recommended plans.
- All facilities should be designed to allow
workers easy access to and exit from animals.
- Make sure to consistently and properly use
restraining equipment.
- Equip pens with emergency exits.
- Keep children and bystanders out of livestock
handling areas.
- Animals can be unpredictable. Be sure you
understand some of the common instincts of animals.
- A strong territorial instinct is common.
- Changes in lighting or shadows can excite or
spook them.
- Separation from other animals can cause
unpredictable behavior.
- Sudden or loud noises can frighten animals.
- Some types of livestock, such as beef cattle,
swine and dairy cattle, are colorblind and have poor depth
perception. This causes them to be sensitive to contrasts in
light, movement, and noises.
- Cattle and horses can see everything around
them except directly behind their hindquarters.
Inspection
- Are gates, fences or pens in good repair?
- Do aisles have any sharp projections?
- Is restraining equipment useable?
- Is an escape gate or path available?
PTO
Safety
The power-take-off (PTO)
allows a farmer to harness the power of the tractor engine to drive
a variety of machines. It is just as important today as it was when
it was first introduced. However, a healthy respect for the PTO
driveline’s potential for causing injury and death is needed.
- Keep all PTO shielding (including the master
shield) in place.
- Repair or replace damaged or missing shields.
- Stay safely away from unshielded moving parts.
- Watch your step when walking or working around a
running machine.
- Wear work clothing with no loose ends or strings
to catch on or be caught by machinery.
- Keep long hair under a cap or tied back to
prevent it from being caught by the machinery.
- Keep children and non-workers out of the danger
zone.
- Stop the PTO when dismounting from the tractor.
Inspection
- Is the PTO shaft shielded?
- Is the master shield in place?
- Is the stub shaft shield available and in use
when the PTO is not in operation?
- Is the PTO shielding damaged?
- Is the PTO shaft shield working properly?
- Are all workers wearing proper clothing?
- Is long hair tied back or under a cap?
Tractor
Safety
Farm tractors provide the primary source
of power on many farms. Studies show that the farm tractor is
involved in a high proportion of farm fatalities and severe
injuries. To avoid them, follow safe management principles and
implement a tractor safety program on your farm.
- Develop a "safety first" attitude. Follow safe work
practices all the time and set a good example for others.
- Be physically and mentally fit when operating tractors.
Fatigue, stress, medication, alcohol and drugs can detract
from safe tractor operation. Take breaks.
- Read operator's manual and warning decals. Pay attention
to safety information.
- Equip the tractor with a Rollover Protective Structure
(ROPS) and wear seat belts.
- Inspect the tractor for any hazards and correct them
before operating.
- Make sure everyone who operates a tractor has received
training and is physically able to operate it safely.
- Shut down equipment, turn off engine, remove key and
wait for moving parts to stop before dismounting equipment.
- Keep bystanders and others away from tractor operation
area. Do not allow "extra riders," especially children.
Inspection
- Are ROPS in place and seat belts used?
- Is a PTO master shield in place?
- Is the operator's platform clear of debris?
- Is a reflective "Slow Moving Vehicle" emblem posted?
- Are lights and flashers operational?
- Are tires properly inflated?
- Is the hydraulics free from leaks?
- Are Brakes can be locked together?
- Is a 20 lb. "ABC" fire extinguisher in place?
- Is a fully equipped first aid kit on the tractor?
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Sun and
Heat Exposure
During late spring and
summer many people like to spend time outside in the sun for fun or
work. But overexposure to the sun can damage the skin and could
cause skin cancer. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and
heat rash are possible when your become overexerted in the heat. Put
your health first in order to enjoy the summer.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and
face cool. This will also provide added protection from damaging
sun exposure. Baseball caps provide little protection except to
the face. A hat should protect the neck, face and ears.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt at all times. It should
be light colored and loose fitting except when working around
machinery.
- Carry a source of water with you. Take drinks
frequently -- every 15 minutes.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool
environment during the hottest times of the day.
- Adjust gradually to working in the heat over a
period of 10-20 days.
- Someone suffering from heat exhaustion or heat
stroke should be moved to a cool environment, offered sips of
water, if conscious, and provided with attention from emergency
medical personnel.
- Wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15.
Make sure children are also adequately protected.
Inspection
- Is fresh water available?
- Is sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on hand?
- Is protective clothing available and being worn?
Beware of
Manure Gas
A
confined-space hazard that often claims multiple lives before anyone
realizes there is a danger is manure gas. Manure pits can be
oxygen-deficient, toxic and explosive. There are four gases in
manure pits that are of primary concern.
Hydrogen Sulfide is a
highly toxic gas that is heavier than air. It can cause dizziness,
unconsciousness and death. At low concentrations it may smell like
rotten eggs, but at higher concentrations it deadens the sense of
smell so that no odor can be detected.
Carbon dioxide is an
odorless, tasteless gas that is heavier than air. It displaces the
oxygen supply in the bloodstream, which can cause unconsciousness
and death.
Ammonia is a gas that is
lighter than air. It has a pungent smell and can irritate the eyes
and respiratory tract. Ammonia also displaces oxygen in the
bloodstream.
Methane is also a gas
that is lighter than air. The primary hazard of methane gas is that
it can create an explosive atmosphere. This gas also displaces
oxygen.
- Never enter a manure pit alone.
- Label the manure pit and manure
storage areas to warn of the gas hazards.
- Obtain and use monitoring equipment
to determine the level of gases present in the manure storage
area.
- A self-contained breathing
apparatus must be worn when entering a manure storage area and the
person wearing it should be trained in its use. A safety harness
should also be worn and personnel should be available outside the
storage area to monitor the entrant’s progress.
Inspection
- Do fences/metal-grill covers
restrict pit access?
- Are manure gas warning labels near
pit?
Beware of
Silo Gas
Silo gas is a confined
hazard that is formed after chopped silage is loaded into the silo.
A natural fermentation process takes place, releasing gases.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are of the greatest
concern. These gases can kill with even minimal exposure. NO2 is
toxic while CO2 displaces the oxygen supply in a silo. Farmers
should make sure everyone takes the proper steps to protect
themselves from silo gas.
- Label silo to warn of the gas hazards.
- Be aware of the signs of silo gas such as a
yellow-brown color in the air or a bleach-like odor.
- Lock access to silos to keep bystanders and
children out.
- Do not enter silos after filling has started.
Silo gas concentration may be the highest 48-72 hours after
filling. Lethal concentrations may exist for up to three weeks in
poorly ventilated silos.
- Run the blower to ventilate the silo at least 20
minutes before entering.
- Obtain and use monitoring equipment to determine
the level of NO2, CO2 or O2 present. If dangerous levels exist, do
not enter.
- A self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn
when entering a silo and the person wearing it should be trained
in its use. A safety harness should also be worn and personnel
should be available outside the silo to monitor the entrant’s
progress.
Inspection
- Is monitoring equipment operational?
- Is a safety harness being used?
- Is the silo well ventilated?
- Are silo doors in good repair?
- Are ladders in good condition?
- Is lockout available for power?
- Are guards and shields in place?
Grain Bin
Safety
Storage and handling of
large volumes of grain or feed on farms is common in many areas.
Automated equipment has made handling of grain easy and fast. But,
grain storage structures and handling equipment create hazardous
work areas. Farm workers should make sure they take the proper steps
to put safety first to prevent injuries, illnesses and even death.
- Label grain bins to warn of entrapment hazards.
- Lock entrances to grain handling areas to keep
bystanders and children out.
- Install ladders inside bins.
- Do not enter grain bins that are being loaded or
unloaded. Flowing grain can trap and suffocate you in seconds.
- If it is necessary to enter a bin, shut off and
lockout power before entering. Use a safety harness and safety
line. Have several people available outside the bin to lift
entrant out in case of an emergency.
- Wear NIOSH-approved dust-filtering respirators
when working in and around grain handling areas. High amounts of
dust and molds could be present and are extremely dangerous.
- Wear approved hearing protection when working
around noisy equipment, aeration fans, dryers, etc.
- Be very cautious of grain that may have gone out
of condition. Crusted grain may have cavities beneath the surface
that can collapse, leading to entrapment and suffocation.
- Keep bystanders and children away from grain bins
and grain handling equipment.
Inspection
- Are ladders in good condition?
- Is lockout available for power?
- Is electrical equipment safe?
- Are overhead power lines nearby?
- Are approved respirators available?
- Are guards and shields in
place?
Information provided by the National Safety
Council
