Agricultural Machinery Safety

Farmers work with a variety of agricultural machinery, such as tractors, hay bailing machines and tillers. This machinery can cause accidents if not operated properly, so safety has to be a number one priority during operation.

Potential Hazards

• The National Safety Council states that out of all the industries in the United States, farming presents the highest numbers of hazards. The largest number of accidents that occur are with farm machinery. Farmers have to use care when operating, maintaining and repairing machinery in order to avoid injury and accidents.

Prevention/Solution

• The wheels of a tractor need to be blocked to prevent it from rolling during repair.

  One hazard, a pinch point, is found where a body part can get caught between moving parts not covered by a protective guard. These guards need to be re-attached when repairs on a machine are finished. When working under a piece of machinery, the worker needs to block the wheels to prevent it from rolling.

Other Considerations

• Workers can get pulled into a bailer if they don't shut the machine down when clearing a jam.

  Workers can be pulled into a bailer if they attempt to clear a blockage in the machinery without shutting it off properly. The worker should follow manufacturer instructions for turning off and clearing a jam safely. Accidents can also be reduced by inspecting equipment before use and making sure all workers are aware of potential hazards and safety procedures.