Working with any type of machinery can be dangerous. Anything can happen when you are dealing with mechanical equipment. Human errors could cause injury or death.
The same goes with farming equipment. It is important to treat tractors, plows and other similar tools with respect and use them carefully.
For individuals who plan to take up farming, the following are five essential farm safety tips:
Stay sober
Never operate any tools or mechanical machinery while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Taking any or both of these substances while working can slow you down and impede your ability to make logical decisions.
What’s more, you not only place yourself in danger but the other people in the same area as you as well. If you don’t pay close attention to what you are doing, you may also accidentally injure or kill the next workers who use the machines.
Go for training
Educate yourself on how to use your farming machinery before you attempt to do so. The same goes with any person who intends to use the tools, whether that individual is a relative, friend or a paid worker.
Read manuals from cover to cover. Watch instructional videos. Attend workshops, seminars or classes when available. Make good use of the online resources such as the knowledge database, articles and manufacturer’s support staff.
“You can even look for forums and ask experts or other members if you have questions or concerns regarding the farming tool.”
The objective to learn as much as you can before using the farming machines.
Inspect your gear
Perform regular inspections of all your machines. Check your tools if they are still functioning well and smoothly. This will let you know if you need to have the machines repaired or buy replacement parts.
Examining your equipment and talking to the people using the machines will also let you know if there are any other issues that you need to handle.
Wear proper clothing
Never wear loose or baggy shirts or pants when using any of the farming tools. Large, overhanging clothes can get caught in moving parts and you can easily get easily injured if this happens.
Wear protective clothing such as helmets, gloves, goggles, safety shoes and hearing protection gear when working with loud machines.
If you are working in a dusty environment, wear a face mask and respirator.
Don’t take any passengers
Lastly, most farming machines are designed for one person, and that is the driver. Never allow any extra riders on the machine, most especially children. They can get easily thrown or ejected off the vehicle.