Make sure it's all safely gathered in
Make sure it’s all safely gathered in
0 Comments | Western Morning News, The, Jul 28, 2010 | by PETER HALL
With the imminent start of the main grain harvest and the release of Health and Safety Executive figures on the number of farm fatalities, Farm-Web – the network of agricultural insurance brokers – has issued a list of hints for harvest safety.
The 2009/10 figures issued by the HSE this month showed an increase in the number of deaths of agricultural workers to a total of 38.
Voicing her concern, Farm-Web’s chief executive Elaine Simons said: “The increase is truly shocking and often it’s a case of simply being in too much of a hurry – and we can all relate to that.
“It’s particularly stressful at harvest and the temptation to cut corners is high, but it’s just not worth it.
“The cost of deaths and severe injuries to families, individual businesses and the industry as a whole is unacceptable.”
This is the FarmWeb advice list: The number of casual staff employed increases at busy times such as harvest. Make sure they are properly trained and briefed for the tasks they are expected to undertake. Be aware of the legislation relating to moving wide vehicles, whereby any vehicle, for example a combine, over 3.5 metres wide, when travelling on public roads, should have another vehicle accompanying it. Where the journey is more than five miles, the police should be notified in advance. When driving large or lengthy equipment such as combines or tractors and trailers on the roads, make sure other drivers are easily aware of your vehicle. Check flashing beacons are working on both the front and rear of the vehicles (particularly important for long vehicles) and put marker boards both back and front.
When working under pressure, it is all too easy to forget to take keys out of a vehicle. Remember, leaving keys in vehicles is likely to negate insurance cover.
Ensure windows, lights and ventilation equipment are kept clean so the driver or operator’s visibility is as good as it can be.
Fire is a huge hazard in the harvest field, so fit small extinguishers to tractors and equipment. It may provide valuable extra minutes before the fire brigade arrives, or even save a life.
Consider putting a temporary water bowser or tank in the field where work is taking place. In case of fire, it could buy you crucial extra time. It is frustrating when machinery breaks at a busy time but do not be tempted to rush in to fix it. Take an extra second or two to disconnect the power so there are no moving parts before tackling the problem.
If possible, alert someone about what has happened and what you are planning to do.
Don’t be saggy and baggy. Loose, saggy clothing is a magnet for moving machinery, so make sure your clothes are not going to prove a danger. Ensure power shafts and augers are properly guarded. A flapping sleeve could be disastrous.
Make sure your load is secure, even if only travelling a very short distance. Loads that are not secure risk spillage and roll- over.
Be aware of overhead power lines when tipping trailers or moving equipment that could touch.
Make sure you have a first aid kit close at hand
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