Category: Safety Information

Harvest Safety

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
• Grain entrapment and engulfment
• Roadway collisions involving agricultural equipment
• Fatigue and reduced alertness
• 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:

1. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the key.
3. Wait for all moving parts to completely stop.
4. Follow all lockout/tagout procedures.
5. 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?

Questions

1. Before working on equipment, what should be your first step?
2. A slow moving vehicle sign indicates that you are traveling at what speed or less? 
3. At what times should you avoid traveling on public roadways in agricultural equipment?
4. True or False: Every piece of agricultural equipment should have a fire extinguisher. 
5. True or False: Before operating equipment, always remove crop debris from hot areas.  

Answers

1. Shut down the equipment.
2. 25 mph or less
3. High traffic times and times of poor visibility
4. True
5. True

Questions

1. When walking behind a horse or cow, what should you do?
2. How should you approach an animal?
3. When working in confined spaces with livestock, what should you always have?
4. True or False: Pinned ears could be a sign that an animal is nervous or agitated. 
5. True or False: Livestock are farm animals, but you should treat them like pets. 

Answers

1. Stay very close, with your hand on them, or stay outside of their kick zone.
2. Calmly from the side.
3. Always have an escape plan.
4. True
5. False.

Animal Safety

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!

Grain Safety

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.

Grain Safety Quiz

Questions

1. How long does it take for someone to become completely submerged in flowing grain?
2. How many attendants should you have with you if you must enter a bin?
3. If you must enter a bin, what three things should you always do?
4. True or False: If you are removing grain from the side of a bin, you should start at the bottom and hope it all falls at once. 
5. True or False: Before entering a bin, you should monitor the oxygen levels in the bin. 

Answers

1. Roughly 22 seconds
2. Two
3. Lockout/tagout, wear a full-body harness with a lifeline, and have two other people with you.
4. False
5. True

Hot Weather Safety

Working in the hot weather is inevitable in the agricultural industry, but there are lots of steps and precautions that you can follow to help keep yourself and those working with you safe during the warmer months in South Carolina. Remember to always take breaks in the shade or air-conditioned places, and always bring adequate amounts of water with you when working in the heat.

Common Heat Related Illnesses

• Heat cramps
  • Painful muscle cramps caused by excessive sweating and loss of electrolytes
• Heat exhaustion
  • Symptoms may include:
    • Heavy sweating
    • Dizziness
    • Weakness
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Rapid pulse
• Heat stroke
  • Symptoms may include:
    • Confusion
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Hot, dry skin
    • High body temperature
  • Call for medical assistance immediately if you suspect you or someone is experiencing heat stroke!

Hydration – Your Best Friend During Hot Weather

• Drink water frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine and sugary drinks, as these will make you more dehydrated.
• Take hydration breaks throughout the day.
• Plan to bring extra water during strenuous work. You will be more likely to drink water if it is easily accessible.
• Rule of Thumb: Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes during extreme heat.

Dress for the Heat

• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing
• Wear moisture-wicking fabrics
• Wide-brim hats and caps can help protect your face and ears from the sun.
• Always wear sunscreen on areas of your skin that are exposed to the sun. Don’t forget your ears!

Best Work Practices for the Heat

• Schedule strenuous tasks during the cooler morning hours.
• Take regular breaks in shaded or cooled areas.
• Always use the buddy system when working in more remote areas.
• Always monitor weather conditions and heat index levels.
• Pace yourself and avoid overexertion.

Heat Safety Around Livestock

• Hot weather also impacts animals
  • Ensure livestock have constant access to clean water.
  • Make sure to provide adequate shade and ventilation.
  • Monitor livestock for signs of heat stress.
  • Avoid transporting animals during peak heat hours.

Equipment and Machinery Safety

• Heat can affect both machinery and the operator.
  • Check engine temperatures regularly.
  • Store fuel safely away from direct heat.
  • Be cautious of hot metal surfaces.
  • Fatigue from heat can increase accident risks.

What Should You Do in a Heat Emergency?

If someone shows signs of a heat illness:

1. Move them to a cool, shaded area.
2. Provide cool water if they are conscious.
3. Loosen any tight clothing on them.
4. Apply cool towels or ice packs.
5. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen.

Questions

1. How often should you drink water during extreme heat?
2. If someone is showing signs of a heat illness, what is the first thing you should do?
3. What type of clothing should you wear when working in hot temperatures?
4. True or False: If you suspect that someone is experiencing heat stroke, you should immediately seek medical attention.
5. True or False: You should plan to do strenuous tasks during the cooler morning hours.

Answers

1. Every 15 to 20 minutes
2. Move them to a cool, shaded area
3. Lightweight, light colored clothing
4. True
5. True

ATV and UTV Safety

Safe ATV and UTV operation on the farm is essential to ensure that you and others are not injured while working. Always make sure you wear the proper protective equipment, follow safe riding practices, and assess the terrain before riding over it. Always remember that ATVs and UTVs are equipment, not toys, when used on agricultural operations. 

Common Causes of Accidents

• Driving too fast for the terrain conditions
• Carrying passengers on single-rider ATVs
• Operating without proper training
• Uneven ground, slopes, and hidden obstacles
• Not wearing protective gear

Wear the Right Protective Gear

Always wear:

• Helmet (DOT-approved)
• Long sleeves and long pants
• Over-the-ankle boots
• Gloves
• Eye protection (goggles or face shield)

Even short rides can lead to serious injuries; gear up every time.

Safe Riding Practices

• Ride only vehicles designed for your age and size
• One rider per ATV (unless designed for passengers)
• Keep both hands on the handlebars and feet on the footrests
• Ride at safe speeds and adjust for terrain
• Avoid paved roads whenever possible

ATV vs. UTV: Know the Difference

• ATVs (4-wheelers): Straddle seating, handlebars, typically single rider
• UTVs (side-by-sides): Bench or bucket seats, steering wheel, seatbelts, and rollover protection (ROPS)

Always use seatbelts in UTVs and keep arms/legs inside the vehicle.

Navigating Terrain Safely

• Slopes: Travel straight up or down—avoid riding across steep hills
• Rough Ground: Watch for rocks, holes, and debris
• Wet Conditions: Reduce speed to prevent slipping
• Loads: Secure cargo and never exceed weight limits

Before You Ride: Safety Check

• Check tire pressure
• Test brakes and throttle
• Ensure lights are working
• Look for leaks or damage
• Confirm fuel levels

What to Avoid

• Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Allowing untrained or underage riders
• Performing stunts or risky maneuvers
• Ignoring manufacturer guidelines

Emergency Preparedness

• Carry a first aid kit and a communication device
• Let someone know your route and expected return time
• In case of an accident:
  1. Stay calm and assess injuries
  2. Call for help immediately
  3. Do not move seriously injured individuals unless necessary

For Students & Young Operators

• Always ride under supervision if inexperienced
• Take an approved ATV safety course
• Understand the risks before operating equipment
• Speak up if something feels unsafe

Pesticide Safety

Pesticides play an important role in modern agriculture by helping control weeds, insects, and diseases. However, improper handling can pose serious risks to human health, livestock, crops, and the environment. Practicing safe pesticide use protects applicators, consumers, and natural resources. Ensure you have the proper training before ever handling any pesticide.

Common Risks of Pesticide Exposure

• Skin and eye irritation
• Respiratory problems from inhalation
• Long-term health effects from repeated exposure
• Contamination of water sources and soil
• Harm to beneficial insects like pollinators

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always wear the proper PPE when mixing, loading, or applying pesticides:

• Long-sleeve shirt and long pants
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles or a face shield
• Respirator (if required by label)
• Rubber boots

Remember: The pesticide label is the law—follow PPE requirements exactly.

Read the Label First!

Every pesticide label provides critical information:

• Proper application rates
• Target pests and approved crops
• Safety precautions
• First aid instructions
• Re-entry intervals (REI)

Never use a pesticide in a way that is inconsistent with its label.

Safe Application Practices

• Avoid spraying on windy days to reduce drift
• Keep a safe distance from people, animals, and water sources
• Calibrate equipment to ensure accurate application
• Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides

After Application Safety

• Wash your hands and exposed skin immediately
• Change and launder clothing separately
• Store pesticides in original containers only
• Keep chemicals locked away from children and unauthorized users

Protecting Pollinators & the Environment

• Apply pesticides early morning or late evening when pollinators are less active
• Avoid spraying flowering plants
• Prevent runoff into streams, ponds, and wells
• Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies when possible

Emergency Preparedness

In case of exposure:

1. Remove contaminated clothing
2. Rinse the affected area with clean water
3. Follow first aid instructions on the label
4. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

Keep emergency numbers and poison control contacts readily available.

Best Practices for Students & Workers

• Always receive proper training before handling pesticides
• Never mix chemicals without supervision (for students)
• Report spills or unsafe conditions immediately
• Stay informed on updated regulations and safety procedures