Spring Farming Safety Tips

Spring is a busy time for many parts of the world, especially for those of us in the farming industry. Along with the changing seasons, it is important to keep the safety, health, and wellness of yourself, your employees, and your community in mind.

Here are six safety suggestions from Premier to share with your team this spring:

Tip #1: Personal Health and Wellness

The first place to start with safety is by checking in with yourself. One way you can be sure to prioritize your own health and wellness is by regularly getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. When we don’t get enough rest, it is not possible for us to properly check in on machinery, keep a sharp eye when driving, and react quickly in times of emergency.

Another tip for practicing personal health and wellness is setting yourself up for success during mealtimes. Choose an easy breakfast that you can grab each morning consistently. Something high in protein will give you the energy you need to get through the day alert and awake. Be sure to plan ahead for lunch and dinner as well, whether that is packing something in advance, scheduling a delivery or planning to pick up a meal.

Finally, be sure to schedule breaks throughout your day. Coordinate with the rest of your team to ensure everyone is given an opportunity to take a breath and recharge.

Tip #2: Machinery Inspection

The second tip to practice safety this spring is to inspect any and all machinery you’ll be using on the farm throughout the season. Start with a more in-depth inspection at the beginning of the season. This may include calling in machinery specialists as well to be sure everything is in top shape.

Each time you or someone on your team is going to utilize a piece of machinery, take the time to walk around the equipment before turning it on. Visually inspect the machine and check necessary fluids. Walk around the machine before turning it on. Once you turn on the machine, give it a second before operating to listen to the engine for anything unusual.

If operating machinery is something you do regularly, it can be tempting to become complacent in skipping these starting steps. But taking the time to slow down and follow these tips can make the difference in workplace safety.

Tip #3: Review Your Workspace

Whether you’re working in a building, field or another area, it is important to take a moment to inspect your surroundings. Look for anything that may be out of place that needs to be addressed or secured before you start working. Make a note of any people or animals in the area – especially if there are any children around that may move quickly as you are working in the area.

Tip #4: Practice Safe Grain Bin Cleaning Standards

Before moving forward with cleaning grain bins, ensure everyone partaking in the process is prepped on the process. Have emergency plans in place and ALWAYS have a second person on watch duty!

Tip #5: Regularly Check In

Whether you are a team member or in a leadership role, it is everyone’s responsibility to keep up high communication between team members throughout the day. Touch base with team members throughout the day to see how everyone is doing. Ask if anyone needs a break, food, water, or anything else. At the end of the day or week, take some time to discuss how the day or week went as a team. Make note of anything that could have been done differently and make a plan to implement changes for the next time.

Tip #6: Practice Safe Machinery Transportation

If you’re driving machinery on the road, ensure you practice safe transportation recommendations at all times.