10 Farm Safety Tips
Sep 21, 2022
10 Farm Safety Tips for This Fall
Fall is here! The days are getting a little colder, and farmers are preparing for another harvest season. Here at River Valley Cooperative, safety is our top priority. Below are ten farm safety tips we encourage everyone to implement this fall.
1. Learn Basic First Aid
Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the world. For that reason, it is vital that farmers can perform basic first aid skills. The Red Cross currently offers in-person and online first aid courses nationwide. These classes only take a few hours to complete and could potentially prevent serious injuries or fatalities in the future. If you are already first aid certified, renew your certification every few years to stay up to date. To learn more about first aid certification, check out the Red Cross website at redcross.org
2. Emergency Contact Information
All farmers should keep a list of emergency contact information easily accessible on the farm in case an incident occurs. This contact information should include at least three people and should be placed in locations such as barns, inside tractor cabs, maintenance shops, and offices around the property. Always have a phone with you when working on the farm as well.
3. Have a First Aid Kit on The Farm
It is not only necessary for farmers to know first aid, but it is also crucial for farmers to keep a first aid kit on hand. This first aid kit should include items such as eye wash, bandages, bottled water, a thermal blanket, etc. If possible, have multiple first aid kits on the farm in different locations for easy access.
4. Check Fire Extinguisher Regularly
It is recommended that fire extinguishers be checked at least twice a year. With harvest quickly approaching, check your fire extinguisher before heading out into the fields this fall.
5. Dress for Success
In the agriculture industry, it is not only essential to dress for success but also to dress for safety. When working on the farm, do not wear loose or baggy clothing. Long hair should be tied back away from the face, and no jewelry should be worn. These simple dress code requirements can help prevent incidents from occurring on the farm.
6. Purchase Rollover Protective Structures
All farm machinery, such as tractors, should have rollover protective structures. This is especially important for smaller older models of tractors that are more prone to rollover. If a piece of machinery lacks a protective rollover structure, I encourage you to purchase one as soon as possible.
7. Review Equipment Manual
Before using new pieces of equipment or machinery this harvest season, make sure to read the equipment manual.
8. Age-Appropriate Tasks for Children
Children should not be assigned jobs on the farm unless they are mentally and physically able to handle the task. Also, ensure that young children are always supervised while on the property, especially near livestock or heavy equipment.
9. Stay Well Rested
Farmer's mental health is one of our top priorities here at River Valley Cooperative. Get adequate sleep and consume at least three meals a day. If stressed, take a few breaks and talk to others about how you feel.
10. Regular Maintenance of Equipment
To ensure that your farm equipment is safe, productive, and has a longer machinery lifespan, perform regular maintenance throughout the year.
River Valley Cooperative wishes growers a bountiful and safe harvest season. In an effort to be proactive about this season, please share this article with others to help create awareness about the importance of farm safety this fall.