Farm Safety

Farm safety is extremely important for everyone who works on or visits a farm. Agriculture involves many activities that can be dangerous if not done safely. Whether you're helping with animals, driving machinery or handling chemicals, knowing how to stay safe can prevent accidents and injuries. Here are essential safety tips to enjoy the farm while staying safe.

Animal handling

Farm animals are different from pets and require careful handling to stay safe. Follow these tips to approach and handle animals safely:

• Always wear hard shoes with steel toes when around animals. This protects your feet from accidental kicks or stepping on sharp objects.
• Approach large animals like cows or horses from the side where they can see you.
• Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle them.
• Speak softly to the animals to keep them calm. Sudden noises can make them nervous or scared.
• When leading an animal, hold the halter close to its head to have better control. Never tie the lead rope around your arm, waist, or neck—it could pull you off balance or cause injury. And never hold the lead rope in a loop—it can get wrapped around your hand or fingers and cause damage.
• Stay away from the hind legs of animals. They can kick suddenly, especially if they feel threatened.
• Animals might get scared of sudden shadows, so try to avoid casting shadows over them when approaching.
• When riding a horse, wear a helmet.

By following these guidelines, you can help keep both yourself and the animals safe on the farm.

ATV and OHV safety

Riding an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and OHV (off-road vehicle) can be fun, but it's important to follow these safety guidelines to stay safe.

• Read the owner’s manual thoroughly.
• Before riding, put on a helmet and protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, gloves, and boots. This gear can protect you from injuries if you fall or crash.
• When riding an ATVs or OHVs know how many passengers are allowed on the vehicle. Never allow passengers to ride on machinery unless it's specifically designed for it. Riding with a passenger when not allow can make the ATV unstable and increase the risk of a crash. 
• If the vehicle has seatbelts, use them.
• Always respect the load capacity.   
• Don't try risky stunts or drive recklessly. Stick to safe speeds, paved roads and avoid sharp turns or jumps that could cause you to lose control.
• Take an ATV and/or OHV safety training course to learn how to ride safely. These courses teach you important skills like how to control the ATV and OHV and what to do in emergencies.

Following these guidelines will help you have a fun and safe time riding ATVs while minimizing the risk of accidents.

Grain safety

Working with grain can be risky, so it's important to follow these safety tips.

• Grain can act like quicksand and trap you within seconds. Always work with a buddy, and if you must go inside a grain bin, use caution to avoid getting stuck.
• Use lifelines and harnesses when entering grain bins. These safety tools can help rescue you if you get trapped.
• Before entering a grain bin, make sure all equipment is turned off. This prevents accidental start-ups that could cause harm.
• Never let children play near grain storage areas or inside grain bins. The grain can shift unexpectedly, putting them at risk.

By following these safety guidelines, you can help prevent accidents and stay safe when working with grain on the farm.

Machinery safety

Operating farm machinery requires careful attention to safety. Follow these essential practices to stay safe.

• Tractors should have rollover protection structures (ROPS) installed to protect you in case of a rollover accident. This structure can prevent serious injuries.
• Always wear seat belts when operating machinery, including tractors and other vehicles. Seat belts keep you secure in the event of sudden stops or a crash.
• Drive machinery at speeds appropriate for the terrain and conditions. Slower speeds are safer, especially when turning or on uneven ground.

Guidelines to avoid accidents and rollovers

• Keep machinery well-maintained to prevent malfunctions.
• Avoid distractions while operating machinery.
• Be cautious when approaching slopes or uneven surfaces to prevent rollovers.
• Never allow passengers to ride on machinery unless it's specifically designed for it.

By following these safety practices, you can help prevent crashes and injuries while operating farm machinery.

Manure safety

Manure pits produce gases like hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia and methane. These gases can be dangerous if breathed in high concentrations.

These gases can have the following effects:

• Hydrogen sulfide: Smells like rotten eggs, can cause breathing problems and is flammable.
• Carbon dioxide: Odorless and can cause suffocation in high concentrations.
• Ammonia: Smells like strong chemicals, burns eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
• Methane: Odorless, flammable, and explosive.

To safely work with and around manure, follow these safety protocols:

• Ensure good ventilation around manure pits to disperse gases.
• Never enter a manure pit alone. Use lifelines and harnesses if you must enter.
• Manure pits have steep walls and deep liquids, posing drowning risks, especially for children and animals.

To prevent gas poisoning:

• Use caution and protective gear when working near manure pits to avoid gas exposure.
• If someone is overcome by gases, call for help immediately and move them to fresh air.

Understanding these risks and following safety protocols can prevent accidents and keep everyone safe around manure pits on the farm.

Pesticides safety

Proper handling and storage of pesticides are essential for your safety and the environment. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

• Always read and follow the instructions on the pesticide label carefully.
• Apply pesticides only as directed and in recommended amounts to minimize exposure.
• Wear protective gear such as gloves, coveralls, boots, and goggles when handling pesticides. This gear helps prevent skin contact and inhalation.
• Store pesticides in their original, labeled containers in a secure, locked area away from children, pets, and food.
• Ensure the storage area is well-ventilated and kept at the recommended temperature to prevent chemical breakdown.

To prevent exposure to pesticides:

• Avoid pesticide exposure by staying out of sprayed areas until they are dry.
• Do not walk or play where pesticides have been recently applied.
• Keep coated seeds locked up and out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

Proper handling and storage of pesticides are essential for your safety, the safety of others, and for protecting the environment. Follow these guidelines carefully to minimize risks associated with pesticide use on the farm.

Electrical safety

Electricity on the farm can be dangerous if not handled properly. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

• Inspect electrical cords and equipment regularly for damage. Replace any worn-out or frayed cords.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for outdoor outlets to prevent electrical shocks.
• Keep electrical equipment away from water or wet areas to avoid shock hazards.
• Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances or tools.
• Turn off and unplug equipment before cleaning or servicing.
• If you see a damaged power line or pole, stay away and report it immediately.

Heat stress prevention

Working in hot weather can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here's how to stay safe:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Take breaks in shaded or cool areas to rest and cool down.
• Watch for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat or confusion—these could indicate a heat-related illness.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun.
• Use fans or cooling towels to stay comfortable in hot conditions.
• Plan strenuous tasks for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.

Chemical safety

Proper handling and storage of farm chemicals are essential to prevent accidents and protect the environment. 

• Read and follow the label instructions carefully for each chemical.
• Wear appropriate protective gear (gloves, goggles, respirator) when handling chemicals.
• Store chemicals in a secure, well-ventilated area away from food, animals and children.
• Dispose of empty chemical containers according to local regulations.
• Never burn chemical containers, as this can release harmful fumes into the air.

Emergency preparedness

Being prepared for emergencies on the farm can save lives. Follow these steps:

• Identify potential risks on your farm, such as fires, floods or injuries.
• Plan escape routes and designate meeting points for family members and workers.
• Keep emergency phone numbers and contacts easily accessible.
• Learn basic first aid techniques, including CPR and how to treat cuts, burns and injuries.
• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in a central location on the farm.

Environmental hazards

Stay aware of potential hazards around the farm to prevent accidents and injuries.

• Identify and learn to recognize poisonous plants and venomous wildlife in your area.
• Keep children and pets away from areas where hazardous plants or animals are known to inhabit.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Using the right PPE can protect you from various hazards on the farm.

• Wear appropriate PPE for each task, such as gloves, safety goggles, ear protection and sturdy footwear.
• Replace damaged or worn-out PPE to ensure it provides adequate protection.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintaining PPE.

Rural road safety

Navigating rural roads safely is essential when traveling on or near the farm.

• Always wear seat belts when driving or riding in farm vehicles.
• Be cautious and patient when sharing roads with slow-moving machinery.
• Follow traffic laws, including speed limits and road signs specific to rural areas.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards like animals crossing the road.

By following these safety guidelines, you can help create a safer environment for yourself and others on the farm.

Remember

Farm safety is everyone's responsibility. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent accidents and stay safe while working or visiting a farm.

If you have any questions about farm safety or need more information, don't hesitate to contact Banner Health. Your safety is important to us.