Many people who have never lived or worked on a farm think that the farm is a safer place than going out at night or driving on the road.Farming is a dangerous place for the unaware, with many dangers and dangers affecting people of any age.Farming is one of the most dangerous jobs.Many things can go wrong on a farm and result in injury or death.The risk of injury or death is high if a person is not careful, lacks the ability to monitor his or her level of fatigue, or gets lulled into a false sense of security.There are many stories of traumatizing events such as being trampled on or kicked by livestock and getting caught up in farm machinery.Many relate to children, such as dying by suffocation in a grain bin, getting run over by a tractor, or having a gate fall on them.If you're new to farming or want to educate children about farm safety, this article is for you.It's important that you understand what it takes to stay safe on a farm.The steps are to be taken as a whole when you upgrade your safety knowledge.
Step 1: There are dangers to farming in general.
It's not always easy to spot such dangers.Equipment operation is one area that has the potential to create dangerous situations.Farm equipment and machinery should only be operated by experienced people.There are environmental dangers.Farming involves outdoor activities that can cause serious injury or death.There are chemical risks.Chemicals are dangerous to the person applying them, to others who may be exposed, and to wildlife.There are natural dangers.Farming can be done in hostile environments where dangerous wildlife or hazardous geographical features are encountered.Human-made dangers may be present in some cases, such as abandoned mine shafts now forming part of farming land.
Step 2: Use precautions to decrease the risk of injury when working around specific dangers when farming.
Step 3: Prepare an emergency plan for a variety of potential dangers, including chemical spills, injuries, and other events.
All relevant farm workers and inhabitants will be able to access this plan somewhere prominent.Language and symbols make it clear what is expected of everyone.
Step 4: There is an emergency communication plan in place.
It is practical to include contact information for local emergency responders and communication capabilities between workers, family members, and neighbors.For ease of use in emergencies, keep the contact details near phones and other communication devices.
Step 5: First aid supplies, food, water, flashlight, a weather radio, and other items are included in a well-stocked emergency response kit.
It is helpful to have a list of what to do in certain situations.
Step 6: Remember Murphy's Law.
Anything bad that can happen will happen.
Step 7: All equipment should be in good working order.
Failure of brakes, steering linkages, or Power Take-Off connections can cause injury or death in seconds.If you can't maintain your own equipment, it's a good idea to have it inspected by a mechanic.It might save a life, but it will likely prevent costly breakdowns.
Step 8: Train equipment operators in general operating procedures for each machine and specific safety items for individual pieces of equipment.
All individuals operating a machine should know how to disengage moving parts and keep safety features in place.
Step 9: Don't use equipment in low light, low visibility or when you're too tired to operate it safely.
Do not operate farm machinery if you are taking a medication that can make you sleepy.The warning is there for a reason.
Step 10: People who aren't actively assisting in the operation of your equipment should be kept away from the activity.
Do not allow individuals to ride on things that are not meant for riding on.A sudden fall could result in someone being run over, a person falling into a cutting attachment, or a moving mechanical part.
Step 11: You should be where the operator can see you, whether he or she is on a tractor, swather/windrower or in a combine.
It's worse when someone operating a machine in close proximity to you doesn't know where you are.If the operator makes eye contact with you, he or she may have noticed you.If this is not possible, you can either move out of the operator's blind-spot or use mirrors.Stay away until it's safe to go near.
Step 12: Don't climb or reach over a spinning shaft.
Walk around the machine to get to the other side.If you have to work in the area where the PTO shaft is, make sure the tractor is out of gear and turn off everything before you start.
Step 13: Before you go in to fix or look at something, make sure the tractor is turned off.
Step 14: The machine you are about to turn on should be in the neutral or park position.
Before you start moving or operate the machine, be aware of what's around you.There are safety rules for children around machinery.
Step 15: When operating machinery, always keep an eye out for things that are behind you, not just on what's in front of you.
Step 16: When working around mechanical parts, do not wear loose clothing or hair.
You will be sucked up into the machine before you even know what happened.Such accidents are very rare.The majority of people who survive such an event die of shock.Always keep shovels, pant legs, sleeves, collar, loose hair, and any other moving machinery parts away from a running auger or PTO shaft.When working with machinery and animals, wear appropriate clothing.You shouldn't work with farm animals in high heels.Safety boots, tight or regular-fit blue jeans, a shirt and jacket, as well as gloves and a hat, are the best for working on the farm.It's also ideal to have overalls or coveralls.
Step 17: They can and will fail, so never get too confident that they will always work.
If that happens, a loader bucket can come crashing down on you.If one of the hoses is worn to the point where it may fail soon, or if the hose is not properly connected, this will happen.
Step 18: Farm machinery isn't a toy.
If a child is allowed to climb up in a tractor by him or herself, they should know that anything he or she pushes or pulls won't cause the tractor to move or start to operate.If necessary, remove the keys from the machine.If it's necessary, you may want to consider locking the doors as well.
Step 19: Never approach the area where the grain is being fed.
You could get caught up in the shaft if you do that.People have lost their legs, arms or feet doing such a thing, and sometimes die from the shock alone.
Step 20: Always watch the power lines when transporting tall equipment.
When farm machinery comes into contact with power lines, it can cause serious or fatal injuries to the operator."Where's the line?" is a question you should always ask.
Step 21: It is important to understand that weather is a special concern to farmers, both in regards to its effect on crop/livestock production, and as a potential danger to individuals who may be working in a remote area.
Step 22: Before going to areas that are prone to flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes or mudslides, watch the weather forecasts.
If storms are moving into your area, you should head to safety immediately.
Step 23: Stay out of harms way.
If there is a sudden storm and you are in the field, find a low area away from features that might attract lightning, or get in a vehicle.
Step 24: Don't work on exposed equipment during a storm.
Step 25: It's a good idea to dress for the weather.
Cold weather requires layers of clothing to allow you to remain warm without becoming too warm, and often, the temperature will rise as the day progresses, so dressing in layers is necessary.
Step 26: Be aware of the dangers of frostbite.
In very cold weather, it is important to protect your fingers and toes.
Step 27: Do not work in the heat.
When the temperature soars, take frequent breaks and keep hydrated.When working in poorly ventilated structures, it's a good idea to use a fan or other source of fresh air before you start.
Step 28: You should be aware of fire dangers.
Sometimes an equipment malfunction can cause a fire, especially in dry fields that are ready for harvest.
Step 29: The daylight hours should be respected.
It is necessary to travel with poor visibility or even in total darkness when you have a busy schedule because of the temptation to push too hard.Before nightfall, shut down your equipment if it is not equipped with field lights.Don't push beyond your own fatigue level.
Step 30: You can learn about the chemicals you intend to use.
Most industries require a log to be kept of chemicals used on site.You will be able to respond appropriately to accidents.
Step 31: Chemicals and pesticides can be stored in a locked secure area.
Chemical spills can be hazardous to the environment, as well as to humans, pets, and livestock.
Step 32: All chemicals are kept in labeled containers.
If kept in a container, gasoline and diesel can be deadly.
Step 33: Do not store reactive chemicals in places where they can be exposed to extreme temperatures.
Fertiliser can be dangerous in certain circumstances.
Step 34: If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it is the correct type for the fire hazard.
Each extinguisher needs to be checked yearly.
Step 35: Clean up after each use of the chemicals.
Don't smoke or eat while working with chemicals, wash your hands thoroughly, and dispose of excess chemicals in a responsible manner.
Step 36: All chemical containers should be inspected periodically to make sure they are not leaking or corroded.
Step 37: Know what to expect when you are farming.
A rattlesnake bite in a remote area can be fatal, and some areas have populations of dangerous animals like bears and wolves.In the southern U.S., alligators may be found in small farm ponds, and dangerous spiders, scorpions, or other dangers should be considered as possible dangers, especially around wood piles, stacked items or anywhere the creatures are likely to make a home.
Step 38: It's important to respect the smallest insects.
If you get stung by a bee or ant, you can experience an allergic reaction in a matter of minutes.
Step 39: Appropriate equipment is needed when working in a remote area.
This could mean a weapon to defend against a predator or an Epipen to treat an allergic reaction.It's a good idea to let other workers know that you have allergies, in case they need to help in an emergency.
Step 40: The world has its own threats to safety.
Talk to people who have dealt with nature in your area about any dangers you may encounter.
Step 41: You should be aware of the potential dangers on your farm.
You may not know about the problems until something happens.Ask when buying the property and do a thorough check to make sure it's safe.Appropriate measures should be taken to guard against them.The holes in the ground are examples.From old mines to pits dug to dispose of dead livestock, holes in the ground can be a hazard.Garbage is thrown into water bodies.The junk in the water might not be obvious until a boat or swimmer catches it.There may be chemicals in the water.There are ruins of buildings.They look romantic but their lack of upkeep makes them potentially dangerous to other people.Garbage tips are filled with containers.
Step 42: Where possible, reduce the impact of man-made dangers.
Remove dangers such as demolishing unstable buildings and walls, disposing of chemical containers, filling holes, and so on.There are holes in the ground that can't be filled.There are warning signs that help alert people to stay away from dangers.
Step 43: Don't trust a bull.
Even though horses are known to kill more humans than bulls, they tend to be the most dangerous because you don't know when they will turn on you.Make a pet out of a bull.The most dangerous bull calves that have been made into pets or "humanized" are bottle-fed bulls.A pet out of a bull calf is more likely to connect with humans than with other cattle.bull people are confused bulls, they feel that they have to assert their dominance over humans and interact with humans, not others of their kindThis makes them dangerous."Pet" bulls that are made into pets but treated with respect and like bovines, not humans, can still pose a threat, but less-so than a bull that thinks it is a human.Around the time of the baby's birth, cows shouldn't be trusted.If you are not respectful of what she's trying to communicate to you, a cow can get aggressive around her calf.
Step 44: Handle horses with care.
Horses are the most dangerous livestock animal, with more accidents and deaths occurring around these magnificent, dramatic animals than the horror stories of charging bulls or angry cows.Know how to ride if you are riding.Good horse handling practices include staying in the horse's sight, not walking behind a horse within kicking range, and provoking a horses with unfamiliar things.
Step 45: Be careful around animals.
Any other livestock animal can pose a danger to a person if the person is not careful or respectful of how they treat or handle those animals.For example, pet sheep have been known to chase and knock over smaller humans, hurting them and trampling on them, so turning any farm animal of medium to large size into a pet brings risks for the same reasons.Slow down and be cautious around animals.
Step 46: Complacency is a killer of many farmers and members of farm families.
Complacency occurs when a person is working from a routine.Building up a false sense of security and trust is dangerous because the unknown can always happen in a moment and your reaction time depends on your being alert.When an accident happens because a person has not been watching for signs that things aren't going as they should be, it's because they've been lulled into a false sense of security.
Step 47: Let someone know where you are and when you expect to return.
If you have someone you rely on to communicate this to, then this can be a bit easier to do.A buddy system of looking out for each other is created if you text or email a neighboring farmer.
Step 48: When handling machinery and livestock, do not underestimate your strength and speed.
You don't know what your reaction time is or how fast you are until something happens to you that tests it.To overcompensate with care, always assume that you'reunderestimating the dangers.
Step 49: You should always have an escape route.
This is important when handling dangerous animals.
Step 50: When possible, wear eye/ ear/foot/respiratory protection.
Protection is needed when handling pesticides and other chemicals.For the sake of respiratory health, cover your mouth and nose whenever dust or fine particles are likely to occur, such as when shoveling grain in a near-empty grain bin, raking over old crop stubble or cleaning out stalls of dried manure.
Step 51: You should be aware of your state of mind.
If you are tired, stop and have a coffee or a nap.Farm accidents and farm accident deaths tend to be caused by fatigue.A nap is a good way to refresh and still get plenty of hours out of the day.
Step 52: Use your common sense.
It's a good idea to listen to your gut instinct.It's not worth the risk if you are second guessing yourself.
Step 53: Talk to the children about dangers.
Don't leave it to chance or hope.Children living on farms need to be aware of the dangers from an early age and talking about them will help them understand the importance of taking care.
Step 54: Children should be taught to keep you informed.
Make it a rule that the child always lets you know if they want to spend time with you.Don't leave until you have answered the child's question.It's important to make it clear that the child must wait so that they don't get bored.
Step 55: Children should not be near grain bins.
Children should not be allowed to play in or near a grain bin if it's full or not.Children have died from suffocation when falling into grain bins.
Step 56: Children should be supervised when they are near machinery.
Don't allow a child to play in an area that is unsafe and make it clear that play happens in different places, such as the backyard, a purpose-build playground area or in the house.If the child is helping under supervision, they must stay put and watch or go back to the house.There are corrals, stock pens, runs, and farmyards.Unless they are helping you under direct supervision, all should be out of bounds to children.Make the time to teach children farm safety.
Step 57: Children should be kept at a safe distance from machinery.
Children are at serious risk of injury or death if they are in an area that is a blind spot.Children that are around machinery that is to be operated must be made to stand where you can see then when you start up machinery, be in an area where they are not at risk of being run over, and stay in that area until it is clear to moveChildren under the age of 7 should be at least 50 feet away from any sort of operating machinery.
Step 58: All terrain vehicles are dangerous for children.
Many children riding ATVs have been injured or killed on farms when these vehicles roll over due to poor handling.An ATV ride can be dangerous for a child whose smaller body weight can result in being crushed by an overturned ATV.Make sure that children are wearing helmets that fit and that they are not going fast.