Farm Equipment Safety: Reducing the Risk of Machinery Accidents

Part 2 of the "Promoting Agricultural Safety in Nebraska" Series.

Farm equipment plays a crucial role in agricultural success, but it also presents significant safety challenges. Machinery accidents are among the leading causes of farm injuries, often resulting in severe consequences for operators and bystanders. By prioritizing equipment safety through proper maintenance, training, and safety features, we can reduce these risks and ensure a safer farming environment.

Pre-Season Maintenance Checklist:

Regular maintenance is the foundation of farm equipment safety. Before the season begins, take the time to inspect and service your machinery:

1. Inspect Equipment Thoroughly

• Check for worn or damaged parts, such as belts, hoses, and blades.

• Inspect tires for proper inflation and signs of wear.

• Ensure all guards and shields are in place and securely attached.

2. Test Fluid Levels and Systems

• Check oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels.

• Look for leaks and address them promptly.

• Test brakes, steering, and other control systems to ensure proper functionality.

3. Update Safety Features

• Ensure lights, reflectors, and warning signals are operational.

• Replace fire extinguishers and first-aid kits as needed.

• Confirm that seat belts and Rollover Protection Systems (ROPS) are intact and functional.

Training for Safe Equipment Operation:

Even the best-maintained equipment can be dangerous without proper operator training. Ensure that anyone operating machinery on your farm is adequately trained:

1. Emphasize Familiarity with Equipment

• Provide operators with manuals for each piece of equipment.

• Demonstrate startup, operation, and shutdown procedures.

2. Teach Safe Practices

• Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in machinery.

• Ensure operators understand the importance of maintaining a safe distance from moving parts.

• Stress the importance of shutting off equipment and removing keys before conducting maintenance or clearing blockages.

3. Incorporate Emergency Preparedness

• Train operators to recognize and respond to emergency situations.

• Teach how to safely disengage machinery and use fire extinguishers.

The Importance of Rollover Protection Systems (ROPS):

Tractor rollovers are a leading cause of fatalities in agriculture, making ROPS an essential safety feature.

1. What is ROPS? ROPS are structures, like roll bars or cabs, designed to protect operators in the event of a rollover. Combined with seat belts, they can prevent most rollover-related deaths.

2. Ensuring ROPS Compliance

• Install ROPS on tractors without them. Many older models can be retrofitted.

• Always use seat belts in tractors equipped with ROPS to maximize protection.

• Regularly inspect ROPS for signs of damage and ensure proper installation.

Building a Culture of Safety:

Farm safety isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. Incorporating these strategies into your daily operations helps build a culture of safety that protects everyone on the farm.

Additional Tips for Farm Equipment Safety:

• Establish clear communication protocols between equipment operators and other workers.

• Keep bystanders, especially children, away from machinery.

• Avoid operating equipment when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or medications.

Machinery is indispensable in modern farming, but its risks can be mitigated with proper maintenance, training, and safety measures. By following pre-season checklists, investing in operator education, and using critical safety features like ROPS, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents on your farm.

Take the time to prioritize equipment safety this season. It’s an investment in your health, your livelihood, and the well-being of your farm community.

Resources for Farm Equipment Safety:

• National Ag Safety Database (NASD)

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Farm Safety

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Agricultural Safety

Understanding the Risks: An Overview of Agricultural Hazards in Nebraska

Part 1 of the "Promoting Agricultural Safety in Nebraska" Series.

An Overview of Agricultural Hazards in Nebraska

Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska's economy and culture, but it also presents unique risks. From operating heavy machinery to managing livestock and dealing with severe weather, farmers face hazards daily. By understanding these risks, we can take proactive steps to improve safety on Nebraska’s farms.

Farm-Related Injuries in Nebraska

Farming ranks among the most dangerous occupations in the U.S., and Nebraska is no exception. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the agriculture sector reports one of the highest injury rates in the country. In Nebraska, farm injuries often involve machinery, with tractor rollovers being a leading cause of fatalities. The Nebraska Department of Labor indicates that the state's agricultural sector sees an average of over 300 reportable workplace injuries annually, with many more going unreported.

Common Agricultural Hazards

1. Machinery Accidents Operating heavy equipment like tractors, combines, and augers is essential for farm work but comes with risks. Rollovers, entanglements, and equipment failures are common causes of injury. Ensuring proper training, regular maintenance, and the use of rollover protective structures (ROPS) can significantly reduce these risks.

2. Chemical Exposures The use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers is integral to modern farming but poses health risks if not handled properly. Symptoms of chemical exposure range from mild irritation to severe respiratory or neurological damage. Proper storage, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to handling guidelines are crucial.

3. Livestock-Related Injuries Handling large and unpredictable animals like cattle, pigs, and horses can lead to serious injuries, including kicks, bites, and crush accidents. Understanding animal behavior, using safe handling facilities, and maintaining proper barriers are essential for reducing these risks.

Regional Risks in Nebraska

Tornado Safety Nebraska’s position in Tornado Alley means that farmers must be prepared for severe weather. Tornadoes can destroy equipment, endanger livestock, and put human lives at risk. Having an emergency plan, access to weather alerts, and designated storm shelters can mitigate the impact.

Drought-Related Concerns Drought conditions, common in parts of Nebraska, can lead to increased dust exposure and respiratory issues for farmworkers. It can also stress livestock, making them more unpredictable. Farmers should monitor environmental conditions and implement dust control measures when necessary.

Prioritize Safety Assessments and Audits

Farm safety begins with awareness. Conducting regular safety assessments can help identify potential hazards before they lead to accidents.

Consider the following steps:

• Schedule annual machinery inspections and maintenance.

• Evaluate chemical storage areas for compliance with safety standards.

• Review livestock handling protocols and ensure facilities are in good condition.

• Create or update emergency action plans for severe weather events.

By committing to these practices, Nebraska farmers can build safer, more resilient operations.

Understanding the risks of farming in Nebraska is the first step toward mitigating them. By recognizing the common hazards and taking proactive measures, we can protect lives and livelihoods. Safety is everyone’s responsibility—take action today by scheduling a farm safety audit and investing in training and equipment to keep your farm secure.

Resources for Nebraska Farmers:

• Nebraska Extension Safety Resources

• NIOSH Agricultural Safety and Health Program

• Nebraska Department of Labor Workplace Safety Program

OSHA Continues Safety Emphasis Program for Grain Handling

According to OSHA's News Release on October 2, 2024, the program will extend 5 more years and will be in place through September 30, 2029. You can access the news release here: https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/kansas-city/20241002#:~:text=The%20expanded%20five%2Dyear%20program,and%20equipment%20repair%20or%20maintenance.

When it comes to grain bin entrapment and engulfment accidents, safety experts have a simple rule: never go inside a grain bin filled with grain. But at harvest time, problems can arise.

Hazards at grain handling facilities are well documented and include dangers related to fires and explosions if combustible dust ignites, engulfment, confined spaces, falls, auger entanglements, electrical shock and electrocution, struck-by incidents, and those related to rail car operations.

The expanded five-year program targets industry employers with grain elevators, grain storage and milling operations, and those engaged in animal feed production, farm machinery and equipment repair or maintenance.

There are dozens of grain handling accidents that occur each year in the U.S. That’s why OSHA has placed several states under regional emphasis programs over the years to promote worker safety at grain handling facilities.

Between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2023, OSHA responded to three fatalities, 13 reported amputations and 36 hospitalizations among industry workers in the three states alone. During that period, the agency completed 104 inspections including 68 in Kansas, 28 in Nebraska and eight in Missouri, and received 131 complaints or referrals about unsafe conditions in the grain handling industry.

There were at least 27 cases of grain-related entrapments and 28 cases of other types of accidents in 2023, according to an annual report on accidents involving agricultural confined spaces in the U.S. from Purdue University. Those 55 total cases, which include 29 fatal ones, are a nearly 34% decrease from the 83 cases in 2022. The number of grain entrapment cases also declined about 36% from the previous year.

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers free and confidential advice to small and medium businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites.

OSHA also offers online compliance information about grain handling. Resources include Hazards and controls in Agricultural Operations, Respiratory Protection and the Hazard Exposure and Risk Assessment eMatrix.