Farm Safety

“They <farmers> also face health and safety dangers, from exposure to chemicals and the operation of machinery to tending livestock. In 1999, the agriculture industry suffered more than 770 deaths and 150,000 disabling injuries.”

- National Safety Council

Farm BuildingsLock buildings containing hazardous

materialsWorking surfaces

Dry Free of clutter Roughened Grooved

Farm Buildings

Good lighting

Handrails

Well ventilated

Clean

Secure Hazardous Areas!

Manure pits Can emit deadly gasses Gasses are trapped within manure Release when manure is agitate

Sealed SilosFermenting silage releases nitric oxides

Can be deadly Cause permanent lung damage

Off limits except with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA)!!

Additional Preventive Measures

Close doors to hay lofts

Secure grain and feed silos

Never enter a grain or feed bin when unloading is in progress

Equipment and Machinery

Tractor Safety

Tractors are the leading cause of death on farms.

Around 50% of all deaths on farms involve

tractors.

Fasten seat belts!

Avoid operating near ditches and embankments

Slow down for Turns Crossing slopes On slippery surfaces

Do not allow additional riders! Children should NEVER be permitted

on tractors!

Tractor SafetyStay off steep slopesHitch only to appropriate hitch pointsDo not tow loads too heavy for tractorWhen stopped

Engage break securely Use parking lock

Turn tractor off before leaving seat

When traveling on public roads:

Turn lights and flashers onDisplay SMV sign appropriatelyKeep buckets to front-loaders low to the

ground

Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)

Cab or frame that provides a safe environment

Designed to prevent death or minimize injury Are standardized

ASAE and OSHA certified Must pass a series of crash tests Are legally required on tractors manufactured

since 1985

Retrofit older tractors with ROPS

Depends on model Check with

manufacturer Check on cost

Never attempt a make-shift ROPS!

Too many variables Metal strength Mounting

False sense of security

May be worse than nothing

Will not protect a driver in a rollover

A seat belt always needs to be worn in conjunction with ROPS!

Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem

Why use a slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblem?

It’s the law!

Warns other traffic that you are a SMV

Cautions other drivers to slow down

SMV Emblem Law

Equilateral triangle

14 inches high

Fluorescent orange

Red reflective border

Clearly displayed rear and center

Placed point up

Lower edge at least 2 ft and not more than 6 ft above ground

Lockout/Tagout

Lockout

The placement of a lock or a block on an energy-isolating device to prevent the operation of the machine or equipment being serviced.

Tagout

Attachment of a warning tag to a switch, valve or other energy isolating device indicating that the equipment is being serviced and is inoperable until the tagout device is removed.

What is Lockout/Tagout?

Defined protocol for appropriate shut down of equipment and machinery

Prevents injury from unexpected energy release

Steps in a Lockout/Tagout Procedure

1. Notification that procedure is scheduled

2. Turn off machinery

3. Locate the isolating device

4. Check condition of locks and tags

5. Affix lock and tag

6. Attempt to restart

7. Ready for servicing

Power Take-off (PTO) Systems:

Mechanism for transferring power between a tractor and

implements

PTO Injuries

Responsible for 15 – 20% of all farming injuries

Often result in the amputation of fingers, toes or limbs

Engage Power Gradually

Start equipment from the cab

Make sure no one is near the PTO!

Never allow a child to operate a PTO!

Wear Job-Appropriate Clothing

Wear snug fitting clothes Loose clothes can become entangled

Avoid synthetic materials Don’t tear and pull limbs in more easily

Shields and Guards

Keep PTO shielded and guarded

Replace shields after maintenance

Test driveline guards

Disengage PTO and turn off tractor before:

DismountingCleaning Repairing Adjusting

Additional Safety Precautions

1. Never step over a rotating shaft!

2. Always walk around the tractor!

3. Use driveline specific to your tractor

4. Prevent drawbar stress

Animal Handling

About one out six farming accidents involves animals

Animals are the second leading cause of injury on farms

Animal Dangers

BitesKicks

Pinning workers between fixed objects (buildings, machinery)

When handling animals:Be calm and deliberate

Speak gently Animals have sensitive hearing Reduced depth perception Cannot see something right behind them

Animals respond to routineAvoid extremes

Temperature Humidity Lighting

Be cautious when deviating from routine!

Approaching AnimalsAnnounce your approach

Touch an animal’s front or side

Avoid common kicking region

Use caution approaching animals that are:

Frightened Hurt Sick Protecting their

young

Leave yourself an “out”Avoid small, enclosed areas

Use adequate restraining and handling facilities

Work outside chutes

Personal Protective Equipment

Filters & Respirators

Respiratory HazardsParticulate contaminants

Dusts from silage, grains, feedVapors and gases

PesticidesOxygen deficient atmospheres

Sealed silos Manure pits

Particulate Filters

Filter out substances harmful to lungsDusts from grainsSilageFeed

Chemical Cartridges

Filters gases and vapors

Are task specific

Using the wrong cartridge could be deadly!

Eye Care Protection

How can I protect my eyes while farming?

GogglesSafety glasses with shieldsSplash gogglesFace shields

Sunglasses

UV absorbent

Sturdy frames

Impact resistant lenses

Clothing

Never wear baggy clothing Wear rubber gloves when

Applying pesticides Assisting animal’s birth Treating sick animals

Safety shoes/boots should have metal toe cap and be skid-resistant

Zoonoses

Protecting yourself and your family from animal diseases

What are zoonoses?

Diseases that are transmitted

from animals to humans

Zoonose facts120 known zoonosesRisk of contamination depends on the

disease and situationAnimals may appear to be healthy but

may be infectiousAlmost all animals can be potential

carriers

How are diseases transmitted?

Every day contact with animalsTransporting carcassesBy-products (feces/urine)Scratches or bitesFrom milk and milkingContaminated soilsContaminated meats

PreventionPrevent food contamination

Cook red meat to 160 degrees Cook poultry to 180 degrees Don’t allow juices to drip on other food Wash hands before and after handling food

Prevention

Avoid contact with diseased animals Dispose of carcasses properly Vaccinate pets Wash hands after handling animals

PreventionPrevent tick bites

Wear repellent Wear appropriate clothing

Treat animal scratches seriously!