Harvest Season Safety Reminders for Everyone

Amy Timmerman - Extension Educator Author

10/17/2024 Added

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As harvest season begins across our state, the familiar call of “Be Safe!” echoes from loved ones as they head out to work. With machinery now populating our roads, messages on the radio and social media urge us to “slow down” and remain vigilant. While these reminders are essential, the reality of the busy harvest period often brings high stress and long hours, which can lead to accidents.

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[00:00:00.000]This is Amy Timmerman, Water and Cropping Educator with Nebraska Extension, covering
[00:00:04.880]Holt, Boyd, Brown, Rock, Keya Papa, and Cherry Counties, with today's Extension Update.
[00:00:10.560]As harvest season begins across our state, the familiar call of,
[00:00:14.360]Be safe! echoes from loved ones as they head out to work.
[00:00:18.540]With machinery now populating our roads, messages on the radio
[00:00:22.380]and social media are urging us to slow down and to remain vigilant.
[00:00:27.640]While these reminders are essential, the reality of
[00:00:30.180]the busy harvest period often brings high stress
[00:00:32.860]and long hours, which can lead to accidents.
[00:00:36.560]According to the CDC, 368 farmers and
[00:00:40.000]farmer workers lost their lives to work-related injuries in 2020,
[00:00:44.904]translating to a concerning rate of 18 deaths per 100,000 workers.
[00:00:50.404]Notably, transportation incidents are the leading cause of these fatalities.
[00:00:55.604]So for today, let's explore some safety tips for farmers on the road,
[00:01:00.124]tips for auto drivers on the road,
[00:01:01.884]tips for grain handling safety,
[00:01:04.444]and finally, just some general tips for everyone.
[00:01:07.280]First, let's talk about safety tips for farmers on the road.
[00:01:10.800]Number one is visibility.
[00:01:12.660]Ensure all lights, flashers, and reflective tape on equipment are functioning and visible.
[00:01:17.780]Number two, warning signals.
[00:01:20.480]Use appropriate flags, emblems, and lights on all machinery.
[00:01:24.920]Number three, travel precautions.
[00:01:28.800]Avoid traveling after sunset and during peak traffic times.
[00:01:32.620]Four, maintenance.
[00:01:35.080]Clean equipment to prevent mud on roadways and check for overhead obstacles.
[00:01:39.080]And finally, five, transport safely.
[00:01:43.230]Balance loads, transport equipment correctly, and communicate clearly with signals.
[00:01:49.030]Now, what about tips for the average auto driver on the roads?
[00:01:54.030]Number one, be patient.
[00:01:56.680]Remember that farmers will pull over to let you pass when it's safe.
[00:02:01.100]Number two, expect slower speeds.
[00:02:04.320]Farm equipment typically travels at 5 to 15 miles per hour.
[00:02:08.680]Number three, maintain distance.
[00:02:11.300]Give ample space when meeting or passing large equipment.
[00:02:15.006]And finally, four, watch for signals.
[00:02:18.226]Be attentive to turn signals and hand signals from farmers.
[00:02:22.786]Now let's change gears and look at safety tips when handling grain during this time of year.
[00:02:29.627]Number one is entrapment precautions.
[00:02:31.907]Always lock out unloading equipment before entering bins and never work alone.
[00:02:37.427]Number two, electrical safety.
[00:02:40.300]Follow all warning labels, check wiring, and use ground fault circuit interrupters.
[00:02:46.260]Number three, prevent entanglement.
[00:02:48.727]Keep away from moving parts, avoid loose clothing, and shut down equipment for maintenance.
[00:02:54.807]And finally, four, fall prevention.
[00:02:57.767]Use proper ladder safety techniques and install handrails on bins where possible.
[00:03:03.827]Finally, general reminders for everybody and there are two main points.
[00:03:07.967]Number one, stay alert.
[00:03:10.480]Both farmers and drivers should minimize distractions and stay aware of their surroundings.
[00:03:16.880]And finally, number two, plan ahead.
[00:03:19.740]Schedule work to avoid high traffic times and
[00:03:22.742]ensure all safety measures are in place before starting tasks.
[00:03:26.660]As we navigate this critical time, let's prioritize safety on all fronts.
[00:03:31.940]Farmers, please ensure your equipment is visible and well maintained.
[00:03:36.460]Drivers, exercise patience and awareness around farm machinery.
[00:03:41.560]Together, we can work to keep our community safe during this busy season.
[00:03:45.600]Stay alert and stay safe.
[00:03:48.380]This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension.

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Harvest Season Safety Reminders for Everyone

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