Harvest season is one of the most demanding times of the year for the farming community. Long hours, tight schedules, changing weather, heavy equipment, and increased roadway traffic can quickly create dangerous working conditions for farmers and farm employees. Increased fatigue and pressure to get crops out of the field are added to the equation, often increasing the risk of agricultural incidents.
Common Harvest Hazards
Harvest equipment contains numerous moving parts and can expose workers to serious hazards.
Entanglement in PTO shafts, augers, belts, chains, and other moving components.
Falls from combines, tractors, grain carts, and trailers.
Machinery rollovers
Fires caused by accumulated crop residue and debris
Slips, trips, and falls around equipment and storage facilities
Never assume a machine is safe just because it is turned off. Always follow proper shutdown and lockout procedures before working on equipment.
Before You Start Harvest
Before operating equipment:
Inspect machinery for damage or worn out parts.
Check brakes, tires, lights, and safety devices.
Make sure shields and guards are properly installed.
Clean crop residue from engines and other hot surfaces.
Check fluid levels and look for leaks.
Make sure fire extinguishers are charged and accessible. Every piece of equipment should have a fire extinguisher.
Make sure everyone understands safety features and their responsibilities.
Never Work on Running Equipment
SHUT IT DOWN BEFORE YOU REACH IN!
Never attempt to adjust equipment or remove crop material while machinery is running.
Before performing maintenace or clearning a blockage:
Shut off the engine.
Remove the key.
Wait for all moving parts to completely stop.
Follow all lockout/tagout procedures.
Verify that all stored energy has been released before beginning work.
Farm Equipment on the Road
Harvest season often means moving large equipment between fields, farms, and storage facilities.
When traveling on public roadways:
Use Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs on equipment traveling 25 mph or less.
Make sure headlights, taillights, and warning lights are working.
Use turn signals whenever possible.
Be aware of the width and height of your equipment.
Use escort vehicles when appropriate.
Avoid traveling during periods of poor visibility and high traffic times.
Remember that other drivers may not understand how slowly agricultural equipment is traveling.
Harvest Safety Checklist
Before heading to the field, ask:
☐ Is my equipment properly maintained? ☐ Are guards and shields in place? ☐ Are lights and SMV signs visible? ☐ Do I have a charged fire extinguisher? ☐ Have I removed crop residue from hot areas? ☐ Do I have a plan for equipment breakdowns? ☐ Have I identified safe routes for moving equipment? ☐ Do I have a communication plan with other workers? ☐ Have I gotten enough rest to safely operate equipment? ☐ Does everyone know the emergency plan?
Livestock production makes up about 64% of agricultural products sold in South Carolina, making livestock a vital part of many agricultural operations. Before working around livestock, always take a few extra moments to prepare yourself, wear the proper PPE, and remain alert to prevent injuries to yourself and the animals.
Common Animal Related Hazards
Kicks and Strikes
Cattle, horses, and other livestock can kick with extreme amounts of force if startled or approached improperly.
If you must walk around the back side of a cow or horse, stay very close with a hand on the animal or stay far away out of kicking range. Never linger in the middle kick zone where a back leg can hit you with full force.
Bites
Many animals will bite when frightened, restrained incorrectly, or if they feel threatened.
Being Crushed or Pinned
Large animals can accidentally pin handlers against fences, gates, trailers, or equipment.
When working around livestock, always make sure that you have an escape plan!
Charging and Aggressive Behavior
Protective mothers, breeding males, and stressed animals may become aggressive with little warning.
Always have an understanding of where livestock are if you are in the enclosure with them.
Understanding Animal Behavior
Understanding an animal’s body language can help prevent a dangerous situation.
Watch for signs such as:
Raised head and focused attention
Pinned ears
Pawing the ground
Tail swishing
Loud vocalizations
Stiff body posture
Attempts to escape or turn away
Animals that appear nervous or agitated should be handled calmly and given adequate space!
Personal Protective Equipment
Dress appropriately for the task and avoid loose clothing that could become caught on gates, fences, or equipment.
Leather work boots with slip-resistant soles
Long pants
Gloves when handling livestock or equipment
Safety glasses when needed
Safe Livestock Handling Practices
Always remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
Never yell or strike animals unnecessarily.
Approach animals from the side where they can see you.
Be aware of an animal’s blind spots.
Use proper handling equipment such as sorting panels, chutes, and head gates.
Keep escape routes available whenever working in confined spaces.
Youth Safety Around Livestock
Youth should always be supervised when working around livestock.
Make sure that children learn safe handling techniques before entering pens.
Youth should never enter pens with aggressive animals.
Avoid standing behind livestock.
Understand that livestock are farm animals, not pets.
Teaching safe habits early helps build confidence and prevents injuries!
To agricultural operations that harvest row crops and grains, grain bins are extremely important to their operation. While these storage facilities are important, if the proper safety precautions are not taken, they can become extremely dangerous to anyone who enters the bin. Before ever entering a bin, also lockout/tagout, bring two other people with you, and make sure you are wearing a harness and tied off before entering.
Common Grain Handling Hazards
Grain Entrapment
Flowing grain acts like quicksand. A person can become entrapped in grain in a matter of seconds, roughly 5 to 8 seconds. A person can become completely submerged in grain in about 22 seconds.
Grain Bridging
Grain that has spoiled or become crusted may appear solid on the surface while leaving an empty space underneath. Walking on a grain bridge can cause it to collapse, resulting in engulfment or becoming submerged in the grain. To prevent this, make sure you are adequately drying your grain to prevent excess moisture from creating moldy, crusty grain.
Grain Walls
Removing spoiled grain from the side of a bin can cause large amounts of grain to collapse suddenly. If you must remove grain from the side of the bin, start at the top and work your way to the bottom.
Hazardous Atmosphere
Grain bins may contain low oxygen levels, toxic gases, or combustible dust that can create serious respiratory hazards or explosion risks.
Never Enter a Grain Bin Unless Absolutely Necessary
Before entering any grain storage structure:
Lockout and tagout all unloading and loading equipment.
Shut off augers and conveyors.
Test the air for oxygen deficiency and hazardous gases.
Wear a properly fitted full-body harness attached to a secure lifeline.
Have at least two trained attendants with you. One should be on top of the bin with eyes on you, and the other should be on the ground to create a line of communication.
Always remember, no one should ever enter a grain bin when grain is flowing!
Safe Grain Handling Practices
Inspect bins regularly for spoiled or crusted grain.
Keep ladders, platforms, and walkways in good condition.
Clean grain dust to reduce fire and explosion hazards.
Never allow children to play in or around grain bins or equipment.
Regularly review emergency procedures and safety protocols for grain storage areas.
Equipment Safety Around Grain
Grain handling equipment contains numerous moving parts that can cause severe injuries or even death
Always keep guards in place.
Shut off equipment before clearing jams or debris.
Follow lockout/tagout procedures before servicing machinery.
Stay clear of rotating PTO shafts, augers, belts, and chains.
Emergency Preparedness
Every farm should have an emergency action plan that includes:
Emergency contact numbers posted near grain facilities.
Clearly marked bin identification for emergency responders.
Workers trained to recognize hazards and respond safely.
Never attempt a rescue alone. Many grain bin fatalities involve would-be rescuers who entered the bin without the proper equipment or training.
Grain Safety Checklist
Before working around grain, ask yourself:
Is all grain-moving equipment shut down and locked out?
Has the atmosphere been tested if entry is required?
Is everyone wearing the appropriate PPE?
Are attendants positioned outside the bin?
Has everyone reviewed the emergency plan?
If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” stop and correct the issue before continuing.
