Consider this safety tool when addressing a task or chore.

Here's a simple safety tool to consider before addressing a task or a chore to be done. This could be a good topic to discuss at your next meeting. Each statement can have a specific reference to tasks you do in your operation. My two favorites are; "has anything changed and do I have the right tools?" Let's encourage everyone to just stop and think before they begin. 

Topics: grain bins, Grain Bin Entry, grain quality, grain storage, farm safety checklist, grain bin safety, Poor quality grain, Checking Grain Bins

Working in and around grain bins exposes farmers and workers to serious hazards, including grain bin entrapment and engulfment. Despite more grain safety awareness, farmers continue to be at more risk due to more on-farm storage, farmers hanging onto their grain longer, and having larger unloading mechanisms that can entrap or engulf someone more quickly. 70% of engulfment happens on the farm. To combat these higher risk growers can utilize good grain storage practices to minimize the need to enter a bin.

Topics: coring, grain quality, grain storage, stored grain, Coring Bins, Smell Test, CO2 Monitor, Carbon Dioxide Monitor

Let’s keep combine fire prevention as one of our priorities as we are abnormally dry in many crop-producing areas. Combine fires cost growers millions in damages each harvest and in a very dry year like this, the potential is even higher.

Topics: fire, combines, Combine Fire Checklist, Maintenance and Cleaning, Combine Fire Prevention, Fire Preparedness Checklist , Spotters

 

Over the next several months' many growers will be harvesting and filling grain bins. A grain bin is a confined space and is also a Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS), however, on most farms it is not thought of that way. Today I’d like to shed some light on confined space permits to have people more comfortable about the important role it plays in keeping people safe.  I will take you through a couple areas of a confined space entry permit. See link; Sample Confined Space Permit

Topics: lockout-tagout (LOTO), Confined Space Permit, Grain Bin Entry, Permit-Required Confines Space Permit, Electrical Safety

Have you ever had the “safety talk” with your employees?

Topics: safety culture, Safety, Safety Talk, commitment to safety, Would you watch our for my safety, trusted advisor, hazard recognition, hazards, Distracted

August is a good time to take pause and check your inventory of PPE before going into harvest. 

No matter what you do, you have a reason to work safely and watch out for the safety of others.  Purchase quality products that meet safety standards and are appropriate for work you will be doing. Employees are more likely to wear PPE products that fit well and are comfortable.

       

Topics: farm, personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protection, Hand Protection, Eye protection, Hearing Protection, PPE Inventory, COVID-19

As your business ramps up after lockdown, investing in a COVID-19 health and safety policy now can protect your employees and pay dividends for at least the next few months. Following this guide can protect your coworkers and help prevent another lockdown due to an outbreak – it’s mutually beneficial.

Here, we’ll help you translate the CDC and OSHA COVID-19 guidelines into a plan of action that works for your specific situation, whether you’re looking to assess your current policy or create a new one from scratch.

Implementation Tip – Who Writes The Guidelines?

As the supervisor or boss, you are responsible for the safety and health of your employees in the workplace.

• your experience is valuable in creating guidelines that are tailored to your workplace and your needs

       AND

• your credibility is necessary to create a policy everyone can agree on and follow.

If you are unable to write the COVID-19 workplace guidelines yourself, make sure that you are heavily involved in the process and involve individuals who are qualified and experienced in health, safety, and human resources.

Topics: safety director, safety culture, safety training program, OSHA law & compliance, air/respiratory, insurance/ risk management, personal protective equipment (PPE)

 Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) are common on many farm operations with many uses, attachments and benefits.  They can go by a variety of names such as side by sides (SxSs) and multipurpose recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) and I'm sure many more.  Many if not all also double as a recreational vehicle with high performance features.  That being said, power and speed are key components of agricultural  injuries and fatalities.

What should you know when having employees operating UTVs in "non-recreational" farm tasks?  

Topics: safety culture, farm, ROV, Operator Responsibility, UTV, Utility Task Vehicle, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle, Rollover Protective Structures, ROPS

This winter, are you prepared for the "silent killer"? When the cold weather comes and working indoors becomes more necessary, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. You may keep your equipment running indoors and think, "It's just for a little bit, I'll be okay." But even a little carbon monoxide exposure makes an impact on your body and health. Make sure you and your employees are up to date and trained on how to avoid and respond to this deadly gas. 

 

 

Topics: carbon monoxide

Over the last ten years, grain dust explosions have occurred at an average of 10 explosions per year. You might look at that number and think that grain dust explosions aren't something you need to worry about. However, the magnitude of these explosions can be devastating. These explosions can bring down entire operations, causing injuries and even fatalities. But with prevention, grain dust explosions can be avoided.  

Topics: grain bins, dust explosions