Posted September 16, 2024 | By: Nutrien Ag Solutions SH&E
Safe Operation of Farm Machinery
Stay safe behind the wheel with our list of tips
Tractors, trucks and other machinery are key to your livelihood, but they also account for many farm accidents that lead to injury or death. We’ve compiled a list of tips on safe operation of farm machinery that can be saved or printed for future reference.
Pre-Trip Inspection:
- Ensure that farm machinery is in safe operating condition each day.
- Check fluids and tires, and clean windows.
- Ensure machinery is equipped with Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) Signs and properly functioning lights:
o Ensure these are clean and visible.
o Replace worn, faded or damaged SMVs.
- Ensure machinery is equipped with appropriate and sanitary personal protective equipment (PPE) for all tasks or repairs that may be associated with the equipment that day.
- Confirm all required safety equipment is present.
Road Operation:
- Seatbelts should be worn at all times in the equipment.
- Machinery should stop at all railroad crossings to check for oncoming trains and ensure enough time to cross.
- Exercise defensive driving:
o Obey all traffic laws.
o Avoid busy and narrow roadways when possible.
o When approaching a blind hill, make sure you stay on the proper side of the road and reduce speed to avoid collision with any approaching vehicles.
- Avoid distracted driving while operating equipment:
o Avoid cell phone usage without a hands-free device.
o Avoid adjusting or using monitors while driving.
- Operate at a safe driving speed:
o Never exceed speed or load rating for the equipped tires.
o Reduce speed for operating condition.
- Operate with all appropriate lights required by the authority with jurisdiction.
In-Field Operation:
- Prior to unfolding, ensure machinery is clear of all hazards within unfolding area:
o Powerlines
o Steep ditches
- Operate machinery smoothly, avoiding abrupt starts and stops.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially near row ends, field borders, on roads, near road shoulders, around trees and near powerlines.
- Keep machinery at a safe operating distance from powerlines and other hazards encountered in the field.
- Avoid any distractions while operating:
o Watch field conditions: wash outs, tile holes
o Watch for obstacles: fence posts, gas wells, power poles
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