There’s an old Iowa riddle: what are the most unused items on a farm? The answer … the bottom three rungs on any ladder.
As farmers spend a lot of time in tractors, combines, trucks and other equipment, now is the perfect time to think about staying safe, healthy and injury-free this fall. Being aware of your surroundings and taking the right precautions can be all it takes to prevent a harvest related injury.
Before you jump down from the tractor (and, of course, using all those last few steps) there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.
1. Get some rest. Early mornings and late nights are routine this time of year, but fatigue paired with heavy equipment can be a recipe for trouble. Getting enough rest can help you stay alert and avoid an accident.
2. During harvest especially, things are done on the run. But remember to always turn off any equipment before making any repairs or adjustments.
3. Baggy clothing and jewelry can quickly get caught in moving machinery. Avoid loose or baggy clothing and coats and remove any jewelry, especially if you’re doing any repair work.
4. Wear proper safety gear, including noise protection, safety glasses, protective footwear and even masks when working with hazardous materials or in an area with a lot of dust.
5. Pay attention to safety and warning labels. It’s always a great idea to review the owner’s manual or watch a video detailing the use and safety features on any new or unfamiliar equipment.
6. Keep children and bystanders away from your equipment and operation area. Farm machinery is very interesting, especially to children, so make sure any children in the area are familiar with the safety rules and have proper supervision.
7. Avoid entering grain bins whenever possible, and, if you do, never enter alone.
8. Never allow children to play in grain bins or wagons. Flowing grain can pull a person under in seconds, potentially resulting in suffocation.
Fall is an amazing time of year for Waypoint Medical patients and friends, and by following a few simple tips, it can be an accident-free season also.