Month: February 2026

Ag Injury News

12/29/2025: Fatal farm accident under investigation in rural Holy Cross

11/19/2025: Farm Worker Injured In Crash Near Royal City

11/16/2025: Southern Kentucky man seriously injured in ATV crash

11/14/2025: 15-year-old killed in Vernon Co. farm accident

11/13/2025: Tractor Totaled in Train Accident

11/13/2025: Kansas boy hospitalized after UTV rollover accident

11/12/2025: Man dies after getting trapped under farm equipment in Coahoma County, fire dept. says

Questions

1. What is the most common piece of equipment involved in entanglement injuries?
2. Before cleaning or adjusting equipment, what should you do first?
3. Should you wear gloves when working with spinning tools or equipment?
4. True or False: Entanglement injuries are 100% preventable with proper safety procedures. 
5. True or False: You should always remove any guards from equipment because they are just there to get in the way. 

Answers

1. PTO shafts
2. Turn off the engine and disengage the power
3. No, this acts as an extension of your hand.
4. True
5. False

Entanglement injuries are among the most severe and life-altering accidents in agriculture. They happen when clothing, hair, or body parts become caught in moving machinery. These incidents often occur in seconds and can result in amputations, crushing injuries, or fatalities. Most entanglement incidents are 100% preventable with proper habits and awareness.

Common Entanglement Hazards on the Farm

Some of the most dangerous equipment includes:

• Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts – the most common piece of equipment involved in entanglement injuries!
• Grain and feed augers
• Conveyors and elevators
• Belts, chains, and pulleys
• Rotary mowers and tillage equipment
• Grain dryers and fans

Any machine part that rotates, pulls, or moves continuously can create an entanglement hazard.

High-Risk Behaviors to Avoid

Many entanglement incidents occur during routine tasks. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Reaching into moving equipment
• Stepping over rotating PTO shafts
• Clearing jams without shutting down machinery
• Removing machine guards
• Wearing loose clothing or jewelry
• Working while tired or rushed

Shortcuts often lead to serious consequences.

Dress for Safety

What you wear matters around farm equipment.

Wear:

• Fitted work clothing
• Closed-toe boots with good traction
• Hair tied back or secured

Avoid:

• Hoodies with drawstrings
• Loose jackets or sleeves
• Necklaces, rings, or watches
• Untucked shirts
• Scarves or loose gloves near moving parts

Machine Guards Save Lives

Machine guards are designed to prevent direct contact with dangerous moving parts.

• Never operate equipment with missing or damaged guards
• Replace broken PTO shields immediately
• Do not bypass safety covers “just for convenience”

If a guard is missing, the machine is unsafe to operate.

Safe Shutdown Procedure

Before cleaning, repairing, adjusting, or unplugging equipment:

1. Turn off the engine
2. Disengage PTO
3. Set the parking brake
4. Remove the key
5. Lower all attachments
6. Wait for all movement to stop

Never assume equipment has stopped completely — always verify.

Emergency Response Reminder

If an entanglement incident occurs:

• Shut off the equipment immediately
• Call 911
• Do NOT reverse machinery
• Control bleeding if possible
• Keep the injured person still and warm

Remember: Prevention is the best emergency response.

Safety Takeaway

Entanglement hazards are always present on working farms, but injuries do not have to be. Staying alert, wearing proper clothing, keeping guards in place, and following shutdown procedures can save lives.

Stop. Shut down. Stay safe.