Category: Safety Information

Machinery Safety

Agricultural machinery is powerful, efficient, and essential to all agricultural operations; however, it can be extremely dangerous when not used properly. Equipment such as tractors, PTO-driven implements, ATVs/UTVs, and other shop tools can cause serious injury and even death if safety procedures are not followed. Review all safety procedures annually to help limit injury risks.

Tractor Safety Tips

Tractors remain the leading cause of agricultural-related incidents.

• Key Safety Reminders:
  • Always wear a seatbelt when operating a tractor that is equipped with ROPS
    • If you have your ROPS folded down, or your tractor does not have ROPS, never wear your seatbelt!
  • Never have extra riders if you do not have a buddy seat. One seat means one operator!
  • Always reduce your speed when you make a turn or are traveling on a slope.
  • Always keep safety shields and guards in place. These are installed to keep you and others away from dangerous components on your tractor.
  • Before exiting your tractor, always shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving components to stop. While this may take extra time, it can limit your chances of being injured.

PTO Safety

PTO shafts can rotate at 540 RPMs, which is roughly 9 rotations per second. Entanglements can happen in an instant.

• Prevent PTO Injuries:
  • Never step over a rotating PTO shaft. Always keep a safe distance from spinning PTO shafts.
  • Always keep PTO shields in place. These shields are there to prevent entanglements.
  • Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing when working around PTOs.
  • Always disengage the PTO and shut off the equipment before hitching, unhitching, or servicing the equipment.

ATV/UTV Safety

ATVs and UTVs are common in agricultural operations and require proper training before use. While these are often viewed as “toys,” they still pose the risk for serious injury or death.

• Wear a DOT-approved helmet when operating an ATV.
• No extra riders unless the machine is designed for passengers.
• Always operate at a safe speed for your conditions.
• Avoid paved roads unless absolutely necessary. ATVs/UTVs are not designed for road travel.

Grain and Harvest Equipment Safety

Large harvest equipment often has multiple blind spots and various pinch points.

• If you are ever approaching harvest equipment or any other equipment, make eye contact with the operator first. This ensures that the operator can see you and is aware that you are approaching the equipment.
• Never enter a grain bin or any other bulk storage area without following proper safety procedures.
• Be mindful of augers and conveyors. These move at rapid speeds, and entanglement can happen very quickly.
• Always lockout/tagout equipment before servicing.

General Shop Safety

Always remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility!

• Always wear the necessary PPE. Safety glasses should always be worn when working in the shop.
• Keep work areas clean and organized. This can prevent trips and other incidents.
• Always inspect your tools before using. If a tool is damaged, report the damage and replace it immediately.
• Ensure you have proper ventilation before welding or working with chemicals.

Questions

1. What is the leading cause of agricultural-related incidents?
2. How fast can a PTO shaft rotate?
3. Before approaching equipment that is being operated, what should you do to the operator?
4. True or False: ATVs and UTVs are not designed for road travel.
5. True or False: It is okay to let others ride on the fenders of a tractor. 

Answers

1. Tractors
2. 540 RPMs
3. Always make eye contact with the operator before approaching.
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.

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

PPE Overview

PPE is essential to help keep workers and others on the farm safe during agricultural work. PPE is considered the last line of defense and should be used along with other safe work practices, training, and properly maintained equipment. Remember, PPE does not eliminate hazards; it reduces risks. Safe behavior, proper training, and hazard awareness must always come first!

Why is PPE Important?

Agricultural workers are exposed to many hazards on the farm. These can range from chemicals, dust and mold, loud noises, sharp tools, moving machinery, extreme temperatures, and biological hazards. Using the appropriate PPE can help reduce the risk of serious injury, prevent long-term health problems such as hearing loss and lung damage, improve confidence and safety awareness of students, and meet regulatory safety requirements.

Common Types of PPE

• Head Protection
  • Examples: hard hats, bump caps
  • Protects Against: falling objects, low-hanging structures, head impacts
  • Common Uses:
    • Working around equipment with raised components
    • Construction areas, grain bins, barns, and shops
• Eye and Face Protection
  • Examples: safety glasses, goggles, face shields
  • Protects Against: dust, debris, chemicals, flying particles, splashes during pesticide mixing or power washing
  • Remember: Regular prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection!
• Hearing Protection
  • Examples: earplugs, earmuffs
  • Protects Against: noise-induced hearing loss
  • High Risk Equipment: tractors, combines, grain dryers, chainsaws, livestock facilities
  • Remember: If you must shout to be heard, hearing protection is needed!
• Respiratory Protection
  • Examples: dust mask, N95 respirators, cartridge respirators
  • Protects Against: dust, mold spores, grain dust, fumes, vapors, toxic gases
  • Remember: Respirators require proper fit, training, and dust masks should never be reused.
• Hand Protection
  • Examples: leather gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, insulated gloves
  • Protects Against: cuts, abrasions, burns, chemical exposure, temperature extremes
  • Remember: Never wear gloves around spinning tools or equipment, and always match the glove to the task.
• Foot Protection
  • Examples: steel-toe or composite-toe boots/shoes, slip-resistant soles
  • Protects Against: crushing injuries, punctures, slips, manure, mud, uneven terrain
  • Remember: Closed-toe footwear should be required for all shop and farm activities.
• Body and Skin Protection
  • Examples: long sleeves, coveralls, aprons, chemical-resistant suits
  • Protects Against: chemical splashes, cuts, scrapes, sun exposure
  • Remember: When working in the sun, wear wide-brim hats, sunscreen, and UV-protective clothing.
• High-Visibility Clothing
  • Examples: reflective vests, bright colored shirts
  • Protects Against: being struck by a vehicle or equipment
  • Remember: Always wear high-vis clothing when working on roadsides and around moving machinery.

Proper Use and Care of PPE

• Inspect PPE before each use.
• Clean and store PPE according to manufacturer instructions.
• Replace damaged or worn-out PPE.
• Do not share PPE that fits closely (earplugs, dust masks, respirators) unless designed for sharing.

Questions

1. What does PPE stand for? 
2. What are some examples of high-risk equipment for hearing loss?
3. Should you wear gloves when working with spinning tools or equipment?
4. True or False: You should never reuse a dust mask.
5. True or False: PPE is the last line of defense.

Answers

1. Personal Protective Equipment
2. Tractors, combines, grain dryers, chainsaws, livestock facilities
3. No, you should never wear gloves around spinning tools or equipment.
4. True
5. True

Cold Weather Safety

As temperatures drop, winter creates many unique challenges for the farming community. Cold stress, icy surfaces, equipment failure, and power outages can interrupt routine tasks on the farm and turn them into dangerous situations. With early preparation and practicing safe procedures, accidents and injuries can be prevented. 

Protecting People from Cold Stress

Winter weather affects the body faster than most realize. Frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly—especially in windy, wet, or low-temperature conditions.

Warning signs to watch for:

• Pale or numb skin
• Tingling or waxy appearance
• Shivering, confusion, clumsiness
• Slow pulse or slurred speech

Safety tips:
✅ Dress in layers with insulated gloves and boots
✅ Take warming breaks every 30–60 minutes
✅ Keep walkways salted or sanded
✅ Never run engines or heaters in enclosed barns or shops due to carbon monoxide risk

Winter Equipment and Machinery Safety

Cold temperatures affect how engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems perform.

Common winter equipment hazards include:

• Diesel fuel gelling
• Slippery steps and platforms
• Battery failure in low temps
• Frozen hoses and brittle belts
• Reduced traction for tractors, UTVs, and trucks

Best practices:
✅ Check batteries, fuel additives, tire pressure, and lighting
✅ Allow machinery warm-up time
✅ Reduce driving speeds on snow or ice
✅ Use chains, ballast weights, or traction aids
✅ Store fuel properly and inspect block heater cords

Livestock Winter Care Essentials

Animals experience cold stress too—and their needs change significantly in winter.

Important considerations:

• Increased feed requirements (1–2% more per 10°F drop)
• Access to liquid, not icy, water
• Draft-free shelters and windbreaks
• Extra bedding for insulation
• Icy pens can cause slips, injuries, and leg strains

Water safety tip:
Always use GFCI outlets with heated buckets or tank heaters.

Farm Property and Infrastructure Preparedness

Winter can damage buildings and systems that farms rely on.

Watch for:

• Roof strain from snow load
• Cracked plumbing and frozen hydrants
• Power outages affecting ventilation, heat, or watering systems

Prevention checks:
✅ Insulate pipes and exposed water lines
✅ Inspect barns and rafters
✅ Maintain generators safely outdoors
✅ Keep emergency lighting and communication tools ready

Be Ready for Emergencies

A winter emergency can escalate quickly if help is far away.

Every farm should have:

• First-aid kits with thermal blankets
• Vehicle emergency kits
• Tow straps, flashlights, and radios
• A check-in and communication plan
• Posted emergency contacts

Call for medical help immediately if:

• Body temperature drops below 95°F
• A person becomes disoriented or stops shivering
• Frostbite turns black or blistered
• Carbon monoxide symptoms appear

Questions

1. How often should you take warming breaks when working in the cold?
2. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, how much should you increase feed for livestock?
3. If your body temperature drops below 95°F, what should you do?
4. True or False: You should never run engines or heaters in enclosed barns or shops due to carbon monoxide risks.
5. True or False: You should always allow for time for equipment to warm up before using it. 

Answers

1. Every 30-60 minutes
2. 1-2% more feed for every 10 degrees dropped
3. Call for medical help immediately
4. True
5. True

Grain Bin Safety

Grain entrapments and engulfments can happen in a matter of seconds. It is extremely important to exercise all safety precautions before entering a grain bin. Children should never enter a grain bin or other grain storage system, even under adult supervision. Grain bins, while they might look like a fun place to play, are extremely dangerous and pose a large risk to everyone. 

Entrapment vs. Engulfment

• Entrapment: When a person is stuck in grain or other bulk media past their knees, but part of their body is still above the grain or other bulk media.
• Engulfment: When a person is completely submerged in grain or other bulk media.

Causes of Entrapment and Engulfment

• Flowing Grain
  • Flowing grain acts like quick sand and can quickly entrap a person.
  • Timeline
    • 2-3 seconds to react
    • 4-5 seconds until you are entrapped
    • 22 seconds until you are engulfed (completely submerged)

• Flowing grain entrapments often occur one of two ways.
  • 1: A farmer or worker enters into a bin without locking out/tagging out, and another person does not know they are in there and turn on the auger to unload.
  • 2: A farmer or worker is actively unloading the bin and enters while the auger is running.

• Grain Bridge Collapse
  • A crust layer forms on the top of the grain due to high moisture content of the grain.
  • Grain bridge collapse entrapments often occur one of two ways.
    • 1: Grain is removed from the bin, creating a cavity under the crust. A farmer or worker enters the bin, not knowing there is a cavity, and the crust cannot support their weight. They subsequently fall through the crust into the cavity.
    • 2: A farmer or worker is actively unloading grain and enters the bin to break up the crust so the grain flows out properly. When they break the crust, they fall into the flowing grain and become entrapped. This is the most common way that entrapments occur.

• Grain Wall Collapse
  • A wall of grain forms on the side of the bin due to high moisture content of the grain.
  • During bin clean out, a farmer or worker must enter into the bin and break the wall down.
  • Ideally, you would start at the top and work your way down, however this does not always happen.
  • Grain is removed from the bottom of the wall, and the wall collapses on the farmer or worker.
  • Entanglement concerns arise here, as there is often a sweep auger that is running while the farmer or worker is in the bin removing the grain wall.

Avoiding Entrapment and Engulfment

• Target Zero Entry: avoid entering a grain bin at all costs! You can’t become entrapped or engulfed if you never enter a bin.
• Lock out/Tag out: Completely shut off power to all equipment inside the grain bin. Using a lock out/tag out kit ensures that power cannot be restored to the equipment until the person entering the bin has exited.
• Never Go in Alone: If you must enter a bin, bring two other people with you. The first person should be looking into the bin and keep eyes on you at all times. The second person should be on the ground acting as a communicator in the event that an entrapment or engulfment does occur.
• Harness and Lifeline: If you must enter a bin, ensure you have on all the proper PPE, including a harness and lifeline. In the event of an entrapment, the harness and lifeline can keep you from sinking completely under the grain.

Emergency and Rescue Response

1. Call 911 Immediately – request a grain bin rescue team. Never attempt to rescue an entrapped vicitm on your own!
2. Do NOT turn on augers or remove grain manually from the bottom.
3. Shut down all equipment and secure the area.
4. If possible, stop further grain flow to prevent deeper entrapment.
5. Provide air to the victim (e.g., air hose or ventilation pipe).
6. Trained rescuers will use rescue tubes or grain cofferdams to isolate and remove grain safely.
7. Monitor victim’s breathing and consciousness.

Questions

1. What are the three ways you can become entrapped or engulfed in grain or other bulk media?
2. How long does it take for you to become completely submerged in flowing grain?
3. How many people should be involved in a bin entry?
4. True or False: You should never attempt to rescue an entrapped or engulfed victim for grain.
5. True or False: Before entering a grain bin, you should lock out/tag out all equipment.

Answers

1. Flowing grain, grain bridge collapse, and grain wall collapse
2. 22 seconds
3. 3 people
4. True
5. True