IMPORTANCE OF FARM EQUIPMENT SAFETY PRINCIPLES

Given the type of work and machines farming requires, it can be a dangerous profession. One
of the biggest causes of accidents on a farm is the improper use of equipment. Since farmers
want to keep their operators and employees as safe as possible, following the best safety
practices when using farming tools and equipment is crucial.

Proper safety principles can help lower the risk of injuries and protect your equipment from
damage. They can also keep your business more productive, as you'll reduce downtime due
to operator injury or machines needing repairs. Additionally, having farm equipment safety
standards in place can help you avoid federal or state government fines due to
noncompliance.

TOP FARM EQUIPMENT SAFETY RULES AND TIPS

Learn more about the top safety practices in using farm tools and equipment below:

1. FOLLOW STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS

Since heavy-duty farm equipment can lead to major injuries when used improperly, several
state and federal laws govern their use. To operate your equipment safely and avoid fines,
follow any federal and state farm equipment safety rules. Some common regulations include
marking and lighting requirements for machinery, especially when operators drive
equipment on public roads.

2. REVIEW EQUIPMENT MANUAL

Before you operate farm equipment, always take time to read the owner's manual and follow
any directions for proper operation. Even if you're used to driving a specific type of machine,
like a tractor or combine, you should still review the owner's manual for any piece of
equipment you add to your farm equipment fleet. A new tractor may have some major
differences from your old one, so it's best to review the equipment manual and ensure you
know how to operate it safely.

3. STAY WELL-RESTED
Heavy-duty farm equipment can do a lot of damage to operators, bystanders and property
when it's not used properly. Operator fatigue is a huge source of accidents, as operators are
more likely to make mistakes or even fall asleep at the wheel. If you're feeling fatigued, don't
operate a piece of machinery. Get your rest first before taking the wheel.

4. AVOID DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

A single drink can impair your ability to operate machinery safely. When you're operating a
piece of machinery, avoid using drugs or alcohol that could affect your judgment and lead to
an accident. Stay as alert as possible by ensuring you're totally sober before operating farm
equipment.

5. ADJUST EQUIPMENT AS NEEDED

Another key practice for safe use of farm tools and equipment is to adjust your equipment to
your operational needs. For example, it's crucial your access doors, guards and shield are in
place when you operate farm equipment. If your operational conditions change, make the
needed alterations to these components to fit the new factors and keep your operators as
safe as possible.

6. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

When you're operating farm machinery, avoid wearing loose-fitting pants or shirts. These
clothes can get caught in rotating machine parts and lead to injury. Instead, wear protective
clothing that reduces the risk of injuries and protects an operator in an accident.

7. EQUIP TRACTORS WITH ROLL OVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES

A roll over protective structure (ROPS) is crucial to the safe operation of tractors. Since the
risk of fatalities is much higher when a tractor rolls over or flips and doesn't have a ROPS,
safety-focused businesses outfit their tractors with them. When you're looking for new
tractors, see if they're already outfitted with a factory-installed ROPS. If you have a piece of
older equipment, invest in a ROPS to better protect your workers.

FARM EQUIPMENT ROAD SAFETY TIPS

When you're taking your farm equipment on the road, it's important to keep yourself, any
passengers and other motorists sharing the road safe. Below are some of the top road safety
tips for farm equipment:
  Ensure your equipment is visible: Whether you're taking a compact tractor or a large
spreader out on the road, your equipment should be highly visible to other motorists.
Before you drive heavy machinery on the road, verify its flashers and lights work
appropriately. Equipment should also have reflective tape on it. Drivers need to
employ warning lights, flashers and flags to indicate they're operating a slow-moving
piece of machinery.
 Familiarize yourself with roads and the best times to travel on them: Since farm
equipment tends to be larger and harder to handle than everyday vehicles, it's
important you verify it can safely travel on the roads you're planning to take. Pay
particular attention to narrow bridges, low overhangs, loose gravel, soft shoulders and
deep ruts. It's also best to avoid traveling during heavy traffic times.
 Be aware of your farm vehicle's size: Since farm equipment is usually larger than
personal vehicles, keep the size in mind when you're driving around other motorists
and on public roads. When you're driving a large piece of machinery, you'll want to
avoid overhead obstacles, like low bridges and power lines. If you're towing
equipment, ensure your vehicle can also safely carry the large load and that whatever
you're hauling can fit under any overhead obstacles.
 Obey traffic laws: While obeying traffic laws might seem obvious, some operators
don't realize it when operating a piece of machinery on the road. As you drive your
farm equipment, ensure you're following all traffic laws like you would when driving
your personal vehicle for optimal farm equipment highway safety.

10 SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER ABOUT FARM EQUIPMENT

AND THEIR USES

Whether you’re an expert in farm equipment or not, before you splurge on

a new planter or tractor, we’re here to remind you of the safety precautions
to take while operating farm equipment. Machinery is one of the top causes
of fatal ag injuries.

Every time you’re out on the farm, remember this simple formula:
SAFETY = GOOD WORKING EQUIPMENT + CAPABLE AND ATTENTIVE OPERATORS

While functional equipment is an important part of farm safety, most

accidents actually occur due to distracted, overtired, or unprepared
operators.

10 FARM EQUIPMENT SAFETY TIPS

Keep these tips in mind to avoid accidents when operating equipment and
machinery on your farm.

1. Read and comply with the manual. Always thoroughly read the
manual for each piece of equipment. Your new tractor may
function differently than your old one, for example. Then,
comply with the instructions and rules

2. Follow and keep up with federal and state laws. These laws
are in place to protect both you and the citizens around you, and
it’s best to make sure you’re keeping up with changes to avoid
fines. For instance, Wisconsin recently changed its lighting and
marking requirements for all Implements of Husbandry (IoH) to
further protect both operators and drivers on public roads.

3. Always keep your slow-moving-emblem (SMV) clean, visible

and properly mounted. This is an important law. Following it
can prevent rear-end collisions while transporting and potentially
save a life. Road safety is so important.

4. Dress appropriately. An untied shoelace, flowing long hair and

stray threads from an old shirt have, in the past, led to horrendous
injuries when operating farm equipment. Dressing appropriately
can mean reducing risk of such injuries.
5. Ensure you’re well rested. Feeling fatigued when operating
machinery can be dangerous. Make sure you’re taking breaks
from work when you need rest.

6. Avoid alcohol. Even one drink can affect your ability to operate
machinery. Keep alcohol out of the picture until you’re done for
the day.

7. Maintain awareness. Stay focused. Be aware of what you are

doing and where you are going.

8. Adjust equipment accordingly. This means keeping all guards,

shields and access doors in place when operating equipment, and
making necessary alterations to equipment to fit operational
conditions.

9. Keep children and animals away from working areas. Farms

offer a world of adventure for curious kids. To avoid any
disastrous accidents, keep your child’s play area separate from
your work area. Know where your children are even when you
are mowing the lawn. Don’t let a split-second accident impact
your child forever.
10. Read up about planter equipment safety. Although operators
should bear in mind similar safety precautions when using planter
equipment, it’s good to read up about the specifics.