Fall harvest means there’s a lot to be done on the farm in a short amount of time. From increased tractor and equipment traveling roadways to shorter days and longer hours, harvest can be a particularly dangerous time. Keep these harvest safety tips in mind to help farm employees, family and yourself safe during the busy fall season.
1. Practice bin safety
Grain bins can pose a number of safety risks, especially during fall harvest.
For more grain bin safety tips, visit the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association.
2. Travel roadways with caution
Make roadway travel as safe as possible moving from field to field. Be sure to inspect machinery before hitting the road and ensure that every light is working so that the machinery is visible to other drivers. Check provincial regulations to make sure you’re driving at the appropriate time of day and have the correct signage and lighting to notify other road users of your presence.
3. Prevent entanglements
Additional equipment during harvest can come with extra risks that can increase the chances of entanglement – reduce your risk of entanglement with these reminders.
4. Take care of yourself
Long hours combined with the added stress of weather challenges can add up. It’s easy to want to push on, even when you’re tired. But, if you’re fatigued, you’re more likely to take shortcuts and risk an accident or injury.
Phone a friend or neighbour if you need to talk through a problem or to share a frustration. Above all, take care of yourself and make the time to rest when your body needs it. Mental health shouldn’t take a back seat to fall harvest either, here’s a short article with tips for taking care of your mental health on the farm.
Here’s to a safe and success fall harvest!
