Harvest season is in full swing, and farmers are hard at work harvesting the food and other goods we use every day. Farmers are also putting in long hours to get crops in before winter hits, making harvest even more difficult. Global Track Warehouse is passionate about rubber tracks,
but we also want our customers to get the job done safely. Farming and agricultural-related work is one of the most dangerous jobs in America, with around 25 fatalities per 100,000 workers. Knowing this, we thought we would put together a list of safety tips to remember while working around the farm this harvest season:
Grain Bin Safety: Grain bin accidents are the leading cause of death on the farm. NEVER enter a grain bin or silo alone or without a harness. Safety experts recommend having at least two people outside the bin if you must climb inside. Always remember to turn off any moving parts inside the bin before climbing in. Never allow children to climb in a bin with grain in it.
Dress for the Job: Wearing the proper clothing for the job you’re doing can save you from potential harm. Wearing things such as hard-toe shoes, hard hats, respirators, bright or reflective clothing, and eye protection can help prevent farm site injuries. It takes a second to drop something on your foot, causing an injury. Wearing the proper breathing apparatus for the job can help prevent diseases in the future. Wearing bright or reflective clothing helps other workers see you and can prevent an accident. Take extra precautions when handling chemicals by wearing goggles, aprons, and gloves. Your local farm supply store is a great place to find most of these items.
Be Seen on the Road: Transporting machinery from site to site is rarely an easy task and often means taking your large machines on public roadways. Making sure your machines and workers are visible on public roadways helps prevent roadway accidents. Use your hazard flashing lights and making sure your “slow vehicle” emblems are bright and visible. Transit accidents are some of the most common work-related injuries in agriculture.
First Aid First: Learning basic first aid procedures can literally save a life. Knowing the basics of treating wounds, CPR, and emergency response can prevent a situation from becoming worse until medical experts arrive. The American Red Cross website is a great place to start when looking for first aid and CPR classes in your area.
Read the Manual: Yes, that’s the thing in plastic wrap under the buddy seat. Reading the owner’s manual ensures you know how to operate the machine and how to do so safely. The owner’s manual will also have maintenance procedures, intervals, inspection tips, and may even have part numbers for filters, oils, belts and other basic maintenance items so you can order them quickly from your dealer. Some areas also host safety workshops. You can contact you cooperative or your Farm Bureau office for resources and information about safety workshops.
Be in the Know: Training yourself and those you work with on safety measures and procedures ensures everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Take a group first aid training class in the off season, have an equipment training day, or even attend a seminar to make sure everyone is familiar with machinery and safety tips.
These are just a few tips you can use around the farm this busy harvest season. You can always find more online or by contacting your local cooperative or Farm Bureau office. For other maintenance tips and procedures, you can contact your local machinery dealer.
Experts say that basic maintenance can go a long way when it comes to preventing injuries on any worksite. When your skid steer, track loader, excavator, trencher, asphalt paver, farm tractor, or grain cart needs new rubber tracks, count on the team at Global Track Warehouse to have the rubber tracks you need. We carry after market replacement tracks for John Deere, Case, Caterpillar, Agco, Challenger, Kubota, Bobcat, Vermeer, Brent, J&M, Klaas, Versatile, Kobelco, Volvo, Morooka, Ditch Witch, Komatsu, ASV, Gehl, Hitachi, Yanmar, Komatsu, Takeuchi, JCB, New Holland, and more. Call today and ask us how we can help you solve your rubber track needs.
Global Track Warehouse USA, Inc.
31W300 West Bartlett Road
Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: 847-488-0988