Farm Equipment Maintenance & Safety…
The information contained in this handout has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The information is general in nature and may not apply to all circumstances. The information is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with an appropriate legal advisor.
It is estimated that 80,300 adult farm workers endure work-related injuries each year. That translates into 9.2 injuries every hour.
Keeping farm equipment in top working condition is very important. Having a breakdown can be costly in two important ways – the bill for replacing the broken part(s) and the time lost in the field.
There are certain precautions a farmer can take before, during and after the season to keep equipment in optimum working condition, such as conducting a pre-season maintenance review or taking equipment to a local dealer for inspection.
Performing regular maintenance will not always prevent breakdowns in the field, but by following the suggestions listed below, you can make them less likely.
• Read the operator’s manual.
• Conduct maintenance properly.
• Keep electrical connections dry and free of debris.
• Do not overestimate the operating capacity of your equipment.
• Replace worn parts before they become broken parts.
• Store equipment in appropriate shelters.
• Do not let an untrained person operate the equipment.
• Do not ignore warning signals that say something is wrong.
• Try not to operate machinery in less than optimal weather conditions, which can put a real strain on the equipment.
Complete maintenance in a safe manner. Remember the following:
• Avoid improper lifting.
• Keep all tools in good working condition.
• Take extra precaution when making hydraulic system repairs. Use paper or
cardboard, not a hand, to find a leak.
• Use the right tool for the right job.
• Make sure all equipment is turned off and stabilized and that chocks are placed under the wheels to prevent rolling.
• Never climb under a vehicle or piece of equipment on a jack unless it is properly secured with blocks or jack stands.
• Pay extra attention to heavy or sharp objects. They are essential to farming operations but can cause serious bodily harm.
• Make sure all tools have proper safety shields.
• Keep the work area clean, and practice safe habits when working.
• Wear protective clothing and safety gear.
• Train family members and workers to have safe work habits.
• Educate novices helping with repairs and maintenance prior to their participation.
• Do not hurry. Most accidents happen when people rush and do not think through what they are about to do.
• Never climb under a vehicle or piece of equipment on a jack unless it is properly secured with blocks or jack stands.
• Pay extra attention to heavy or sharp objects. They are essential to farming operations but can cause serious bodily harm.
• Make sure all tools have proper safety shields.
• Keep the work area clean, and practice safe habits when working.
• Wear protective clothing and safety gear.
• Train family members and workers to have safe work habits.
• Educate novices helping with repairs and maintenance prior to their participation.
• Do not get in a hurry. Most accidents happen when people rush and do not think through what they are about to do.