Getting Ready for Harvest: Key Safety Tips and Procedures During National Safe Work Month

Chaser bins play a crucial role during the harvest, but they also pose significant safety risks. Always follow these critical safety protocols:

• Never enter a chaser bin while augers are running.
• Disengage the tractor PTO, set the hydraulics to neutral, and turn off the tractor before checking for blockages.
• Ensure no one is inside the chaser bin before restarting the auger to avoid tragic accidents.

Augers are frequently involved in serious injuries, including electrocution from powerlines, amputations, lacerations, and crush injuries. To reduce these risks:

• Always ensure proper guards are in place.
• Never unblock an auger while it’s running. Shut it down and wait for all parts to stop moving.
• Empty auger flights before shutting down unless in an emergency.
• Always lower and lock augers before moving them.
• Ensure augers are not operated near overhead powerlines. Use a spotter when working near potential hazards.

Silos and field bins also pose unique dangers such as falling from heights, toxic poisoning, and suffocation in confined spaces. These guidelines can help prevent serious incidents:

• Ensure silos and bins are structurally sound before use.
• Never enter a silo or bin without proper training, PPE, and a spotter equipped with emergency communication tools.
• Only work at heights if properly trained and equipped, and always with a spotter present.
• Be aware of hazards such as drowning in grain, suffocation from lack of oxygen, or poisoning from toxic gases.

Before the start of harvest, hold a pre-harvest safety meeting to cover essential safety topics. The meeting should include:

• Hazard Identification: Review common hazards like machinery, chemicals, or terrain.
• Incident Reporting: Ensure workers know how and when to report accidents or near misses.
• Emergency Management: Discuss emergency procedures and who is responsible in case of an incident.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Confirm all workers have and are trained in the proper use of necessary PPE.
• Fatigue Management: Implement plans to reduce worker fatigue through scheduled breaks and rotating shifts.
• Communication & Consultation: Maintain open lines of communication between workers, supervisors, and managers. Encourage the reporting of any concerns.
• Roles & Responsibilities: Clarify each worker’s role in maintaining safety and responding to emergencies.

Dry conditions during harvest can increase fire risks. Make sure to:

• Keep fire extinguishers on all vehicles and in storage areas.
• Regularly clean machinery to prevent dust and crop residue build-up, which can catch fire.
• Maintain a firebreak around work areas and store flammable materials safely.

Long hours during harvest can lead to fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents. Implement strategies to manage fatigue, such as regular breaks, adequate hydration, and ensuring workers are fit for duty before each shift.