Periodic Farmstead Safety Inspections

Background

• Hazards and inappropriate human actions are the primary causes of most accidents.
• Thus, a basic step in accident prevention is to locate and correct potential dangers.
• On the farm, that begins by making periodic safety inspections.

Tips

• Make a list of items that should be inspected regularly, such as electrical wiring, heating equipment, farm machinery, and storage areas.
• Test smoke detectors and check fire extinguishers periodically.
• When a hazard or unsafe condition is spotted, don't wait—correct it as soon as possible.
• Take faulty equipment and appliances out of service until they can be repaired or replaced.
• Urge family members and employees to correct or report hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Eliminate many potential hazards through good housekeeping, neat arrangement, ample storage space, and proper maintenance

Stop Accidents Before They Happen

Hazards and inappropriate human actions are the primary causes of most accidents. A basic step in accident prevention is to safeguard against potential dangers. Farmers should make periodic farm and home safety inspections.

The list of items that should be inspected regularly includes electrical wiring, heating equipment, farm machinery and storage places. You should also test smoke detectors and check fire extinguishers periodically.

When a hazard or unsafe condition is spotted, don't delay—correct it as soon as possible. Many accidents stem from hazards that were to be corrected "someday when I have more time."

Farmers should be aware of the following safety tips from the National Safety Council:

• Take faulty equipment and appliances out of service until they can be repaired or replaced.
• Urge family members and employees to correct or report hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Many hazards can be eliminated by good housekeeping, ample storage space that is neatly arranged, and proper maintenance.

Farmers can make their farms and homes safer if they locate potential hazardous situations before an accident occurs.