In a few weeks, harvesting season will be in full swing and our farmers will be working long hours to complete a large job in a short period of time. In honor of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Steve Engleking, Agriculture and natural resources educator, Purdue Extension — LaGrange County, gives some practical advice on how stay safe this season while using harvesting equipment.
Although there are different machines used to harvest crops, a similar set of safety rules can be applied to all of them for a safer and more efficient harvest. Follow these tips to avoid danger:
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Always read and follow the operating and maintenance instructions in the machine's instruction manual.
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Identify and keep away from dangerous areas like pinch points, shear points, wrap points, pull-in areas, thrown objects, crush points and free-wheeling parts.
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Watch out for obstacles, ditches, steep hills and other hazards that could cause harvesting machinery to overturn.
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Adjust your speed to the terrain and visibility conditions.
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Keep children away from any operating harvesting machine and its discharge auger.
