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
- 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:
- Turn off the engine
- Disengage PTO
- Set the parking brake
- Remove the key
- Lower all attachments
- 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.
