GIRMC emergency team encourages safety this harvest season.
As harvest gets underway across Central Nebraska, Grand Island Regional Medical Center encourages farmers, farm workers and motorists to make safety a priority. Long workdays, heavy equipment and increased traffic on rural roads make this an important time to slow down and take precautions.
Agricultural work carries a heightened risk of serious injury, including incidents involving equipment, transportation and falls. Taking time for rest, equipment checks and clear communication can help protect those working to bring in the harvest.
Please take time to review these tips and integrate them into your harvest season:
Manage fatigue.
Get adequate sleep, take regular breaks and avoid operating machinery when you are tired. Keep drinking water and make regular meals part of the workday.
Shut down your equipment before servicing.
Turn off machinery, remove the key and wait for all moving parts to stop before clearing blockages or making repairs. Follow manufacturer's procedures to prevent unexpected startup or movement and keep safety guards in place.
Protect children and bystanders.
Keep children away from machinery, grain wagons and work areas. Do not allow extra riders on equipment.
Prevent falls.
Use designated steps and handholds when entering or exiting equipment. Keep steps clear of mud and debris and avoid jumping from machinery.
Take grain bin hazards seriously.
Always lockout unloading equipment before entering grain bins and never work alone. Never enter a grain bin while grain is moving or unloading equipment is operating. Use proper ladder safety techniques and install handrails on bins wherever possible.
Use caution around electrical infrastructure.
Look up and maintain your awareness of the location of utility infrastructure. Use a spotter to maneuver large equipment and maintain a safe distance from power lines. If your equipment comes into contact with a powerline, remain inside and urge bystanders to keep their distance. Do not exit the equipment until the local utility has confirmed that power has been disabled.
Use appropriate protective equipment.
Wear hearing and eye protection, sturdy footwear and task-appropriate respiratory protection. Avoid loose clothing near moving machinery.
Share the road safely.
Farmers should ensure that all lights, flashers and reflective tape on equipment are functioning and visible. Use appropriate hazard emblems on all machinery. Avoid traveling after sunset and during peak traffic times. Remember to balance your loads, transport your equipment correctly and use a spotter and hand signals for clear communication and safe navigation.
Motorists should slow down when approaching farm equipment and remain patient. Farm equipment typically travels at a speed of 5-15 miles per hour. Leave plenty of space and watch for wide turns. Watch for turn signals and hand signals from the equipment operator.
Farmers and motorists must minimize distractions such as smart phones and be aware of changing surroundings.
Prepare for emergencies.
Keep a charged phone accessible. Tell someone where you are working and establish regular check-ins. Make sure workers know the location's address or other details emergency responders will need. Keep First Aid kits
For a serious injury or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Give dispatchers your exact location and describe any equipment or hazards at the scene.
Grand Island Regional Medical Center thanks the agricultural families who help sustain our community and encourages everyone to do their part for a safe harvest season.
Farm Safety Tip Sources: University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
