Farm work can be among the most rewarding activities out there. Not only do you get to spend your day breaking a sweat and using your hands, but you also get to play a vital role in the agriculture and food-processing industries. However, while this occupation is ideal for many, it can still be hazardous as well. This is because of the machinery you use. Here are the top five safety tips for working with farm equipment that will help keep you safe on the job.
Read the Machine’s Owner’s Manual
Before you sit down to operate a piece of heavy farm machinery, it’s vital that you first familiarize yourself with the best practices to do so. Each piece of equipment comes with an owner’s manual that tells you how to run that product. These manuals also go over how to keep yourself and those around you safe in the process. They even provide advice for maintaining these items so that they perform at optimal efficiency. Because of this, you can significantly increase your level of safety during the workday by simply looking through these books.
Wear the Proper Clothing and Gear
It’s also important to make a conscious effort to wear the appropriate things when using your farm equipment. For example, loose or ill-fitting clothing can catch on the moving components of a tractor or picker. When this happens, the machines can potentially draw you in and cause serious bodily harm. So, you want to put on garments without too much excess material. Additionally, it’s wise to wear protective gear like a helmet, work gloves, and safety goggles.
Remain Alert and Focused During Operation
Another crucial safety tip for working with farm equipment is to stay alert the entire time you’re operating a machine. Since you never know when an animal or another worker can make their way into your path, staying focused ensures that you’re ready to react to them. This prevents a collision and the devastating damages that could result from it. When you remain alert, you also guarantee that you get more satisfying results.
Purchase Rollover Protective Structures
If you have a series of tractor models that are prone to tipping, you may want to purchase rollover protective structures for them as well. These accessories create a protective cage around a machine’s control panel and seat. They ensure that the driver remains unharmed, even if the tractor loses balance and rolls to the side.
Prepare Yourself for the Worst
Above all, though, make sure to hope for the best but plan for the worst. Unfortunately, accidents are commonplace when working near these heavy pieces of equipment. So, you need to know what to do to take care of yourself. This means identifying the nearest phone to call for help, locating the nearest hospital to get medical attention, and finding a personal injury lawyer to help you file for compensation. In doing so, you reduce the time it’ll take to treat your injuries and start the healing process.
