12 Months of Safety Commitment: A Year-Round Approach to Farm Safety
Farm safety isn’t just for harvest season – it's a commitment every day of the year. Proactive safety measures, regular training, and routine maintenance can prevent accidents and create a culture of wellness and preparedness on the farm. Whether it’s winter frost, summer heat, or busy planting seasons, staying vigilant ensures the safety of your family, workers, and livestock. Here’s how to embrace farm safety all year round.
Winter: Prepare for the Cold and Keep Things Running!
Winter presents Unique Challenges, from icy roads to equipment maintenance. Follow these safety tips to prepare:
Create a Winter Survival Kit:
Equip your farm vehicles with essentials like:
Shovels, booster cables, and tow ropes.
Flashlights, extra batteries, and reusable phone chargers.
First-aid kits, survival blankets, and extra clothing.
Prepare for Inclement Weather:
Keep walkways clear of ice and snow to prevent any slips or, falls. Make sure you make all frozen bodies of water clear, as not all ice can support the weight of equipment or people. Also ensure that livestock have ventilated shelters with adequate access to food and water during the colder months.
Take Equipment Precautions:
The winter months are perfect for performing maintenance on unused equipment. Make sure this equipment is being stored in a dry and critter-free area to protect it from potential damage. Make sure you keep the gas tanks full and ensure all generators are charged in case of emergencies.
Spring: Avoid Fatigue and Stay Safe During Peak Activity!
The arrival of spring brings longer work hours and heightened stress. Stay alert and focused with these tips:
Prioritize Rest and Wellness:
Avoid fatigue by getting enough sleep and taking breaks during demanding tasks. Working long hours can be straining, which is why it is important to prioritize taking breaks when you feel tired. Check-in on workers or have someone check in on you if you are working long hours alone.
Share the Road Safely:
Road safety is essential during the busy months, use proper lights, flags, and slow-moving vehicle signage on all equipment. If traveling near or on roads, watch for overhead powerlines and other obstacles that can pose a risk.
Make Mental Health a Priority:
Farming can be stressful – recognizing signs of burnout is essential for safe farm operation. Take steps to manage stress effectively to make sure everyone on the farm is safe.
Summer: Beat the Heat and Stay Vigilant!
Hot weather, increased machinery use, and children on the farm can create safety risks. Stay cool and cautious by following these key tips!
Stay Hydrated and Protected:
Take water breaks every 30 minutes on hot days and make sure to spend some time in shaded areas, this will ensure you are staying hydrated as you reduce your risks of heat stroke. Make sure you are wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and light-colored clothing to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Inspect Machinery:
Ensure all equipment is in good working condition before use. During the summer months, machinery tends to be well used; this is why it is essential to prioritize safety checks before use. Perform regular Maintenance to prevent breakdowns during these busy times.
Keep Kids Safe:
With school out, ensure all children understand where they can and cannot go on the farm. Make sure hazardous materials are securely stored and communicate all kid-related dangers to everyone on the farm.
Fall: Safeguard During Harvest Season:
Harvest season often means intense workloads and equipment use. Stay prepared by following these helpful tips!
Emergency Plans are Essential:
Create emergency plans and practice them often with all workers. This will ensure that everyone on the farm is prepared in case of an emergency. Train everyone in the safe operation of machinery, tools, chemicals, and animal handling to reduce the risks of accidents.
Stay Safe Around Equipment:
Always wear safety gear like glasses, hearing protection, and reflective clothing. Make sure you have installed slow-moving vehicle signs and ensure all guards and shields are in working order. It is important to remember to never work under unsupported equipment and to lock hydraulic cylinders when servicing.
Safety Is a Lifestyle, Not an Afterthought!
Farm safety isn’t seasonal – it's a lifestyle! Incorporating safety into your daily routine ensures the well-being of everyone on the farm while maintaining productivity and peace of mind. Stay committed to farm safety every month of the year, because a safe farm is a thriving farm!
Want to learn more about year-round farm safety? Check out these resources:
About Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health
Founded in 2008 in the community of Seaforth, ON, Gateway CERH is a not-for-profit rural health research organization run by a community-based volunteer board of directors. Gateway CERH's main mission is to better the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education and communication. Learn more on the Gateway CERH website at: https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube
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