Take time for tractor safety

LINCOLN, Neb. — Tractors and machinery are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries on farms.

“We’ve all heard the saying you reap what you sow,” said Aaron Yoder, associate professor at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, during a safety webinar hosted by AgriSafe.

“The best sowing occurs during training. We plant those seeds early with safety training, both for ourselves and for others.”

Training young and seasoned farmers alike could save a life.

“There are lots of training opportunities through 4-H and FFA programs,” Yoder said. “AgSafety4U is an option. We have an online program that covers some general ag safety and health training, as well as some tractor and machinery training.”

Make The Change

Here are some ways of improving tractor operator safety from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service:

• Always mount and dismount on a tractor’s left side — to avoid controls.

• Ensure an approved cab or roll-over protective structure is fitted.

• Fit and use a seatbelt on tractors with ROPS.

• If there is a risk from falling objects, fit a fall-on protective structure.

• Wear hearing protection and remember not all tractor cabs are soundproof.

• Remove starter keys when tractors are not in use.

• Have an up-to-date maintenance schedule.

• Follow safe maintenance and jacking procedures.

• Ensure the operator is properly trained for each type of tractor work.

• Adjust the seat so all controls are safely and comfortably reached.

• Keep all guards in place, including the power take-off.

• Operate the self-starter from the operator position only.

Farmers also should consider the safety of other motorists sharing the road.

“We know we have wide loads and often times slower speeds than other machinery,” Yoder said. “We see lots of examples of lighting and marking mishaps.”

All farm equipment used on public roads should have a clean and clearly visible slow-moving vehicle sign.

All tractor lights should be functioning, including headlights and flashers.

Other guidelines to follow include:

• Observe traffic laws and use common courtesy.

• Use hand signals for turning and stopping.

• Obey traffic laws and signs.

• Pull over to let traffic pass if it’s safe.

Learn more at www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash.