Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident

Stay ready with this safety checklist

Implementing safety during the busy spring season starts in January for most operations. Equipment is thoroughly inspected and serviced, facilities get organized, and employees receive operational and safety training. A wide variety of topics are covered and include anhydrous ammonia, grain operations, crop application, safe driver, emergency response, and various facility operations. Training is also provided for many farm customers on the safe handling and application of anhydrous ammonia. 

An example of this training is shown in the photo to the left. Rhett Stolte, GROWMARK Technical Agronomist, launched Applicator Training for Legacy FS in Ohio. This applicator training included pesticide strategies and stewardship, proper nozzles and drift mitigation, use of application technologies, chemical mixing procedures, and implementing safe behaviors.

As work is going strong for everyone in agriculture, it is good to remember safety fundamentals: 

• Keep mobile equipment serviced and operating efficiently, with all lights functioning, tires and hoses in good condition, and guards securely in place over moving parts. 

• Keep first aid supplies and plenty of water available when in the fields. Water bottles are good for both hydration and first aid for chemical exposure, including pesticides and anhydrous ammonia. 

• Disconnect hoses and shut off all valves when transporting product to the fields, to minimize spills and unintended release. Wear seat belts and follow the Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) speed limit. 

• Stop and look before crossing railroads. Agriculture equipment moves slowly, but trains move fast and are difficult to see until it is too late. Be aware of powerlines and guidewires leading to power poles to avoid electrocution from contacting electrical lines. 

• Have a good supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include safety glasses/goggles, chemical and work gloves, reflective vests, and respirators/dust masks. 

Before the start of a project, take a brief pause, even a few seconds, and think what needs to be done to perform the job safely. It’s amazing how those few seconds of clarity can put the correct and safe decisions into motion, keep you and everyone around you safe on the job.