Common Farm Hazards Safety Checklist

Background

• Agriculture is one of our country's most dangerous industries.
• Each year, hundreds of people are killed and more than a hundred thousand severely injured in farm-related activities.
• It takes efforts of all involved to make the farm a safer place to live and work.
• Here is a basic safety checklist highlighting common farm hazards.

Around farmstead

• Stairs, floors, and working surfaces in good repair and free of slipping and tripping hazards.
• Sturdy handrails present on every stairway.
• Ladders in good condition

On equipment

• Farm equipment ridden only by those required for its operation, instruction, or diagnostics.
• Obstacles avoided and speed reduced on rough, uneven, or hilly ground.
• Equipment brought to a complete stop and brakes employed before dismounting.
• Equipment handholds or rails used when stepping down.
• Tractors with no enclosed cab equipped with ROPS to provide overhead protection and prevention against falls.
• Seat belts being used.

Handling livestock

• Livestock handling areas identified to discourage visitors.
• Easy access to and exit from animals in livestock pens and handling facilities.
• Restraining equipment used consistently and properly.
• All workers and visitors trained regarding basic animal behavior and instincts.

Keeping Our Farms Safe: A Safety Checklist

Agriculture is one of our country's most dangerous industries. Each year hundreds of people are killed and more than a hundred thousand severely injured in farm-related activities.

Your individual efforts can make our nation's farms a safer place to live, visit and work. The following is a basic safety checklist highlighting common farm hazards.

Farmstead

• Are stairs, floors and working surfaces in good repair and free of slipping and tripping hazards?
• Are sturdy handrails present on every stairway?
• Are ladders in good condition?

Machinery

• Is farm equipment ridden only by those required for its operation, instruction or diagnostics?
• Are obstacles avoided and speed reduced on rough, uneven or hilly ground?
• Are tractors routinely brought to a complete stop before dismounting? Are brakes employed and handholds or rails used when stepping down?
• If possible, are tractors equipped with an ROPS cab (offering overhead protection, comfort and prevention against falls)? Are seat belts being used?

Livestock Handling

• Are livestock handling areas labeled to discourage visitors?
• Is there easy access to and exit from animals in livestock pens and handling facilities?
• Is restraining equipment used consistently and properly?
• Have all workers and visitors been trained regarding basic animal behavior and instincts?

The National Safety Council's Agricultural Division provides an array of valuable resources, offering practical solutions for reducing preventable injury and illness. For detailed information, call 630-775-2023 or visit their website at www.nsc.org.