“Good farming practices save lives and reduces accidents. Take action to prevent injuries associated with farm machinery.”
Those are among the key messages from Teagasc, which has launched a new joint collaborative farm safety digital media campaign with the HSA, Farm Safety Partnership and FBD Insurance.
The bodies have produced a series of short videos containing industry-leading life-saving advice covering livestock handling, farmer’s health, sheep farming, chemicals, children, slurry handling, harvesting and farm machinery.
In its machinery safety video, the partners outlined that while modern agriculture is increasingly dependent on the use of machinery to carry out tasks in the most efficient way possible, HSA statistics show machinery make up 8% of fatal injuries on farms.
Machinery, the bodies highlighted, is also a significant cause of serious injuries on farms.
Unguarded parts, poor mechanical conditions, inexperienced operators, human error, rushing, poor vision and lack of concentration are among the main causes of machinery accidents, they highlighted.
With this in mind, give particular attention to ensure that machinery is maintained in good condition, adequately guarded and only operated in a safe manner by competent personnel.
Machinery safety
Key messages in this video:
- Do not wear loose or torn clothing when working near machinery;
- It is best to wear well-fitting overalls and safety boots with steel toe caps;
- Take time to consult the manufacturer’s handbook before operating a machine for the first time. Check this before you carry out repairs or maintenance;
- Be aware of recommended methods of supporting the machine and tools required to safely dismantle machine;
- Use access stands or wooden blocks to support raised machinery;
- Only use jacks for lifting, not supporting;
- Beware of sharp edges;
- Check to ensure that the machine is in a safe operating condition before using it;
- Ensure all guards and safety devices are in place and functioning correctly;
- When attaching a machine, stand in a safe position to avoid getting crushed;
- Ensure that machines and trailed equipment are correctly attached to the tractor or vehicle;
- It is critical that if a blockage occurs when operating a machine that, you disengage the PTO before attempting to check the blockage;
- Ensure that you also release the pressure on the hydraulic system or springs before starting to clear blockages or carry out work on the machine;
- Objects thrown by a machine are very dangerous. Items like sticks, stones and pieces of metal can travel at high speed, leaving a machine;
- Ensure machine guarding is in place and that bystanders are kept at a safe distance;
- Take precautions to prevent oils from penetrating the skin;
- Replace or repair damaged hydraulic systems without delay;
- Ensure the machine’s PTO is guarded;
- Consider replacing the PTO shaft with a hydraulic pump where possible;
- Maintain safety guards on all machines and ensure adequate warning signs are in place and visible.
Previous article on That’s Farming on handling chemicals safely.
