4 Tips for Summer Safety on the Farm
Jun 18, 2021
Summer can be the busiest season for farmers and agricultural employees. However, slowing down and taking necessary safety precautions will not only benefit your health, but keep your operation running smoothly throughout the summertime months and keep everyone safe. Here are four important areas to remember during the summer months!
1. Beat the Heat
When there’s too much to get done, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Spending time in the sun can take a real toll on your body, so it’s important to follow these tips.
While working in the heat, remember to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothes to help stay cool, and if you’re feeling ill, take a break to cool down. Heat exhaustion can be easily overlooked but should be taken seriously. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache or a fast and weak pulse.
Click here to link more about heat exhaustion from the CDC.
2. Machinery 101
Some machines are constantly running during the summer months. It’s essential to keep your equipment in working order to prevent accidents and keep your operation running smoothly. Perform machine maintenance whenever necessary, including making sure the machine is safe to use before operating. Make sure to let your equipment cool before re-fueling.
Always remember to have a fire extinguisher in your vessel at all times. In addition, be sure to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required and stay alert while operating a machine.
If your tractor or equipment only has one seat, there should only be one rider unless there’s a second seat and seatbelt.
3. Keep your eyes on the kids
Schools out for the summer and children are helping around the farm. Kids are curious and like to explore, so be sure to discuss with your children about farm safety.
4. Don’t work alone
Whether it be due to heat illness or machinery mishaps, working alone in the summer heat can spell disaster. If you aren’t able to work with someone else, make sure someone always knows your location, what you’re doing and when you will be done.
1. Beat the Heat
When there’s too much to get done, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Spending time in the sun can take a real toll on your body, so it’s important to follow these tips.
While working in the heat, remember to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothes to help stay cool, and if you’re feeling ill, take a break to cool down. Heat exhaustion can be easily overlooked but should be taken seriously. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache or a fast and weak pulse.
Click here to link more about heat exhaustion from the CDC.
2. Machinery 101
Some machines are constantly running during the summer months. It’s essential to keep your equipment in working order to prevent accidents and keep your operation running smoothly. Perform machine maintenance whenever necessary, including making sure the machine is safe to use before operating. Make sure to let your equipment cool before re-fueling.
Always remember to have a fire extinguisher in your vessel at all times. In addition, be sure to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if required and stay alert while operating a machine.
If your tractor or equipment only has one seat, there should only be one rider unless there’s a second seat and seatbelt.
3. Keep your eyes on the kids
Schools out for the summer and children are helping around the farm. Kids are curious and like to explore, so be sure to discuss with your children about farm safety.
- Grain bins aren’t play equipment and children should never be in or on them.
- Review pesticides and chemical storage and other hazards around the farm.
- Review off-limits areas, like around machinery.
4. Don’t work alone
Whether it be due to heat illness or machinery mishaps, working alone in the summer heat can spell disaster. If you aren’t able to work with someone else, make sure someone always knows your location, what you’re doing and when you will be done.