When we think of a day on the farm, many of us think of a quiet, peaceful afternoon. You sit on a rocking chair with a glass of iced tea, watching the sun filter through an old oak tree as the stray cotton gathers at the edge of a field.
Of course, if you’ve ever actually worked on a farm, you know there’s a lot more to it than that. There’s hard work, and with hard work like this, dangers are inevitable. To help you get through the day and arrive safely back on your porch, here are the common farming accidents you should avoid.
Falls
Falls are a common hazard at any job. But with all the high places farm work takes you, they’re even more common and more dangerous in agriculture.
Reducing falls on the farm comes down to awareness. When you’re training new workers, make sure you highlight places with fall risks, such as:
- Barn lofts
- Silos
- Tops of machinery
- Ladders
- Vats
Encourage workers to work in pairs when they’re working in high places. Also, make it a point to add safety railings and bright, reflective paint to these areas to increase visibility.
Being Caught in Machinery
We’ve come a long way since the invention of the cotton gin. The farming equipment of today is bigger, more powerful, and more efficient than ever before. Unfortunately, that offers a lot of opportunities for injuries. To avoid common farming accidents, follow these principles:
- Be sure workers are trained on how to use all machinery
- Make sure everyone dresses appropriately to work
- Keep hair pulled back and wear a hat if possible
- Keep young children away from machinery
- Allow frequent breaks during shifts to avoid workers using machinery while tired
Simply making sure farm equipment is well maintained will also prevent injuries. This will ensure equipment is working the way it should to avoid workers needing to stop to make repairs.
Chemical Exposure
Even though you’re out in nature when you’re working on the farm, there are still plenty of chemicals you may encounter. For example, pesticides and fertilizers can cause health issues, such as breathing problems, after long-term exposure.
There are also chemicals present in farming equipment. The hydraulic fluid present in your tractor’s final drive motor presents a real risk of hydraulic fuel injection. When you have problems with a piece of equipment, be sure that those working on it have experience with it. Otherwise, consider hiring a professional.
