The fields may be quiet, but the machine shops are buzzing. Yes, winter is a great time to perform repairs and maintenance on farm machinery. Keep yourself and those around you safe by following these tips:
- Dress appropriately. With morning temperatures at 20-30°F, stay warm by dressing in three layers: 1) a base layer for wicking moisture [choose polyester, not cotton], 2) middle layer(s) for insulation, and 3) an outer layer as your first line of defense from the elements. Clothes that are well-fitted keep you safe from entanglement and will not restrict blood flow, helping to keep you warm. While working, remove items like scarves as well as hats with strings hanging down.
- Practice the buddy system. Avoid working by yourself; it is best to work with a partner who can help lighten the workload, hurry the day along and, most importantly, call for help if needed. If you must work alone, always alert someone to where you will be working and how long you expect to be there.
- Wear PPE. There is no shame in wearing personal protective equipment. Farm work is hard work and exposure to things like noise and dust affects your health in both the short- and long-term. Quick tip: if someone is an arm’s length away, and you need to shout for them to hear you, hearing protection is needed. For dust, more information on how to select the right type of mask for any given situation is available here https://ag-safety.extension.org/respiratory-protection-on-the-farm-and-ranch/.
- Protect yourself from machinery. Start by turning off any equipment you are working on and remove the key. Use blocks to secure the wheels of equipment you are working underneath. When a jack is needed, make sure it is in good working order to protect yourself from being pinned – yet another reason to use the buddy system.
- Work at your own (safe) pace. Preventable injuries occur when judgement lapses; a quick decision to cut corners on safety – for the sake of speed or ease – can lead to a preventable incident. Prioritize safety and safe decision making by taking breaks to warm up, eat, drink, and rest.
This has been a Health and Safety Highlight brought to you by the Farm Health and Safety Working Group. Look for our monthly posts in the Plant and Pest Advisory.
Sources
Margentino, Margie, and Karyn Malinowski. “Farm Machinery and Equipment Safety Part II: Preventing Machinery Accidents During Operation.” Rutgers University, September 2019. https://esc.rutgers.edu/fact_sheet/farm-machinery-and-equipment-safety-part-ii-preventing-machinery-accidents-during-operation/. Accessed on 24 September 2020.
“Why is wearing multiple layers of clothing recommended in cold weather?” eXtension, Ag Safety and Health, May 2019. https://ag-safety.extension.org/why-is-wearing-multiple-layers-of-clothing-recommended-in-cold-weather/. Accessed on 13 January 2021.
