Safety a concern of NE ag groups as harvest nears

    With combines and grain carts heading to the fields, the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association are urging farmers, residents and drivers to take a second for safety this harvest season to protect what matters – everyone getting home safe.
     Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries in which to work, with farmers at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.
    Farming is also one of the few industries in which family members (who often share the work and live on the premises) have the same risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. In 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were a reported 368 farmers and farm worker fatalities from agricultural workers.
     Transportation incidents, which include tractor overturns, were the leading cause of death for these farmers and farm workers.
    With factors like fluctuating weather, field conditions and machinery availability, farmers typically have a narrow window to complete their harvest work. It’s important farmers take care of themselves to ensure a safe season.
    “While farmers are ready to get in the fields and harvest their crops, we need to remember that agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations. By being prepared and taking a few extra seconds for safety, we can ensure a safe and successful harvest,” said Andy Jobman, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and farmer from Gothenburg.
    Farmers are not the only people who should be cautious during the harvest season.
    Anyone who may be visiting or traveling through rural areas should be mindful of increased farm traffic on roads and highways.
    The corn grower groups offered some safety tips ahead of the harvest season:
Equipment safety
    Be careful when approaching harvest equipment. Approach from the front and gain eye contact with the operator before approaching.
    Ensure harvesting equipment is fully stopped and disengaged before climbing onto a vehicle.
    Do not place yourself near any unguarded or otherwise running machinery.
    Avoid pinch points between equipment, such as tractors with grain wagons. Visibility can be limited and serious injury can occur.
Entanglement hazard
    Entanglement hazards can happen very quickly.
    Do not ever try to unplug any equipment without disengaging power and removing energy from the equipment.
    Never pull or try to remove plugged plants from an operating machine.
    Always keep shields in place to avoid snags and entanglement when working around equipment.
Falling
    Be alert and extremely careful when working in wet or slippery conditions.
    Keep all walkways and platforms open and free of tools, dust, debris or other obstacles. Clean all walkways and platforms before use.
    Wear clothing that is well fitting and not baggy or loose. Also wear proper non-slip, closed-toe shoes.
    Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting machinery. Face machinery when dismounting and never jump from equipment.
    Never dismount from a moving vehicle.
Fire prevention
    Carry a fire extinguisher with you in your vehicle (A-B-C, 5 or 10 pound).
    Remove dust and buildup from equipment. Check bearings regularly to prevent overheating and chance of fire.
Grain wagon safety
    Be careful to monitor grain wagon weight to never exceed maximum weight limits. As weight increases, grain wagons can be harder to control.
    Load grain wagons evenly to distribute weight to prevent weaving or instability across the grain wagon.
    Inspect grain wagon tires and replace any worn or cracked tires.
Grain bin safety
    If entering a bin, wear a harness attached to a secure rope.
    Never work alone.
    Never allow children to get too close or inside the bin.
    Wear a dust filter or respirator when working in bins.
    Stay out of bins when equipment is running.