Nebraska Corn: Don’t Learn Safety by Accident

As harvest time nears, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) recognize and understand the importance of National Farm Safety and Health Week by providing safety tips for agriculture and harvest. This year’s theme is Don’t Learn Safety by Accident.

Nebraska Corn looks to promote safety during National Farm and Safety Week Sept. 15-21.

With one in four jobs related to agriculture in Nebraska, agriculture continues to be a large portion of the state’s economy. It also is one of the most volatile and dangerous industries. With many accidents going unreported, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created an agriculture safety and health program to address the risk of injuries and illnesses experienced by agricultural workers and their families. With many generational farms, learning on the farm starts early and that includes safety when in and around equipment.

“This is an industry my grandfather was in, and my father, myself and hopefully someday the next generation, but it doesn’t go without risks,” said Michael Dibbern, NeCGA vice president. “I grew up in and around combines and tractors, but not without my father being next to me teaching safety and vigilance with equipment. As I teach my children about farming, we have safety measures that must be learned so it’s not learned by accident.”

Harvesting is a busy, stressful time for farmers as there is a short window for harvesting crops. Farmers must take time to rest and take care of themselves physically, emotionally and mentally to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Those traveling in rural areas must also be aware of their surroundings during harvest season. Nebraska Corn encourages patience and slowing down with increased farm traffic. Prevent an accident by knowing farm safety.

Follow these and other safety tips this harvest and beyond:

Equipment Safety

• Be careful when approaching harvest equipment. Approach equipment from the front and get the operator’s attention.
• Ensure the harvesting equipment is fully stopped and disengaged before approaching.
• Do not go near any unguarded or otherwise running machinery.
• Avoid pinch points between equipment – such as tractors with grain wagons. Visibility can be limited, and serious injury can occur.

Entanglement Hazard

• Before unplugging any equipment, disengage power and remove energy from the equipment.
• Never pull or try to remove plugged plant material from an operating machine.
• Never remove shields. Keep in place to avoid entanglement when working around equipment.

Fall Hazard

• Be careful when climbing on or off equipment.
• Be alert and extremely careful when working in wet or slippery conditions.
• Keep all walkways and platforms open and free of tools, dust, debris or other hazardous obstacles. Clean all walkways and platforms before use.
• Wear clothing that is not baggy or loose. Also wear proper non-slip, closed toed-shoes.
• Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting machinery. Face machinery when dismounting and never jump from equipment.
• Never dismount from a moving vehicle.

Fire Prevention

• Carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle (A-B-C, 5 or 10 pounds).
• Check bearings regularly to prevent overheating and the chance of fire. Remove build-up or dust from equipment.

Grain Cart Safety

• Never exceed maximum weight limits on grain carts. As weight increases, grain carts can be more difficult to control.
• Load grain bins evenly to distribute weight and prevent weaving or instability across the grain bin.
• Inspect grain bin tires and replace any worn or cracked tires.

Grain Bin Safety

• Check the air quality before entering an enclosed space.
• If entering a bin, wear a harness attached to a secure rope.
• Never work alone.
• Never allow children to get too close or inside the bin.
• Wear a dust filter or respirator when working in bins.
• Stay out of bins when equipment is running.