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Fall is here. For farmers, that means harvest is here, as well.

In the best years, harvest is rewarding. But even when the rewards of the countless hours of hard work that led to this point are there for the taking, fall harvest is also a dangerous time for those who work on or around farms and farm equipment.

Farm injuries are to be taken seriously

Unfortunately, farm injuries are all too common. The CDC reported that in 2020 there were 11,880 injuries in agricultural production that resulted in missed time from work.

That same year, the agency reported 368 farmers and farm workers died as a result of a work-related injury. Tractor overturns and other transportation incidents were the leading cause of death.

With stats like those, it’s easy to see why safety has to be first and foremost this time of year. The most important assets of any farm operation are the people who work the land, after all.

Here are several tips to keep top of mind for how to keep everyone safe this fall harvest season.

Establish a checklist

Everyone’s running short on time or at least feels they are this time of year. Being in a rush makes shortcuts seem more appealing. Forgetfulness can also creep in.

To avoid unsafe shortcuts and mental lapses, make a daily checklist for everything that needs to be done in terms of maintenance and equipment operation. Then, assign each item on the list to individuals who can oversee that those tasks are completed.

These types of checklists can help you avoid equipment failures or improper operation, cutting down on the potential for avoidable accidents.

Make sure equipment checks out

Let’s stay on the subject of equipment, given how transportation incidents are such a key issue.

Make sure all equipment is in good, working condition and that all safety features are operational. That includes lights, which need to be working when traveling in the mornings and evenings. Windows and mirrors should be cleaned, too.

Then there’s the matter of travel. If your equipment will be on public roads, then be sure to have the proper slow moving vehicle signage so other drivers are aware of your constraints and are prepared to take extra precautions around you. Use an escort vehicle, if needed, to help others keep their distance or be more aware of the fact that you’re on the road, too.

Finally, always make sure equipment that is not in use gets turned off. If the tractor isn’t off, then don’t get off.

Be aware of people around you

While operating equipment, always be aware of people around you at all times. They could be in other equipment or they could be on the ground. Either way, always check your surroundings and remain aware of where people might be moving to and from.

A good practice for every operator to get in the habit of is to honk the horn when starting the equipment or engaging components of the equipment. This helps others remain aware of you, too.

Watch for rocks and debris

Working in the field can uncover hidden dangers that can cause damage to machinery and slow down harvest – or worse, cause accidents that pose even more of a risk to workers.

Make sure to instruct everyone operating machinery to remain vigilant as they are in the fields for rocks or any other debris large enough to cause trouble.

If operating a combine and the corn head becomes plugged, follow these procedures as recommended by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach:

1. Stop the combine and back up so the head is located over harvested crop.
2. Bring the threshing element to a slow speed on idle.
3. Open the deck plates as wide as possible.
4. Use the head’s reverser switch to lightly bump the switch in reverse repeatedly to try and dislodge whatever is plugging the head. Stop running the head if this does not work, as constant running can cause damage.
5. Be sure to follow the combine lockout procedure before you attempt to work near a raised combine head. All hydraulics and shafts must be removed and all safety cylinder blocks and stops need to be applied.
6. While wearing cut resistant gloves, carefully remove a small amount of material at a time from the snapping rolls.

Train everyone

Many farmers hire extra hands around harvest time. While that is fine – and actually a great way of overworking a crew – be sure that every person is trained on each piece of equipment they will be operating.

Not training an operator poses a safety risk to them and also to anyone who might be working around them. It’s simply a recipe for problems, or disaster, that falls under the “preventable” category.

On a related note, now’s not the time to be giving tours or letting small children hang around equipment while it’s in use in the field.

Get your rest and take breaks

On that same subject of people, make sure everyone takes care of themselves. That means getting enough rest time and regular breaks.

Nobody’s a machine. Proper rest and nutrition will help everyone stay alert and safe. Hydration and even a few snacks each day can do wonders for farm workers during the long days ahead.

Your complete farm management partner

While you are taking steps to ensure you or your tenant farmer implements these fall harvest safety tips on your farm, consider reaching out to us at Midwest Land Management to see how our highly experienced staff can help you accomplish your production, financial and future goals pertaining to your land.

Our farm management services include:

• Complete farm planning
• Details accounting of farm income and expenses
• Crop input purchase negotiations
• Complete record keeping and inventory management
• Contract negotiations, including leases
• Soil stewardship
• Government program and crop insurance administration

Specializing in professional farm management in Northwest Iowa, Midwest Land Management can help you meet individualized goals tailored to your personal objectives. Excellent service to our clients is always our top priority.