Farm Safety - Orthman Combo Caddy Operator's Manual

Farm Safety

Contrary to the popular image of fresh air and peaceful surroundings, a farm is
not a hazard-free work setting. Every year, thousands of farm workers are injured
and hundreds more die in farming accidents. According to the National Safety
Council, agriculture is the most hazardous industry in the nation.
How You Can Improve Farm Safety
You can start by increasing your awareness of farming hazards and making a conscious effort to prepare for emergency
situations including fires, vehicle accidents, electrical shocks from equipment and wires, and chemical exposures. Be
especially alert to hazards that may affect children and the elderly. Minimize hazards by carefully selecting the products
you buy to ensure that you provide good tools and equipment. Always use seat belts when operating tractors, and
establish and maintain good housekeeping practices. Here are some other steps you can take to reduce illnesses and
injuries on the farm:
• Read and follow instructions in equipment operator's manuals and on product labels.
• Inspect equipment routinely for problems that may cause accidents.
• Discuss safety hazards and emergency procedures with your workers.
• Install approved rollover protective structures, protective enclosures, or protective frames on tractors.
• Make sure that guards on farm equipment are replaced after maintenance.
• Review and follow instructions in material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and on labels that come with chemical products
and communicate information on these hazards to your workers.
Health and Safety Hazards on Farms
Farm workers including farm families and migrant workers are exposed to hazards such as the following:
Danger
Chemicals/Pesticides Skin and respiratory injury or death
Cold Illness, Frostbite or death
Dust Respiratory injury or explosive combinations
Electricity Shock, burns, fire, death
Grain bins, Silos Entrapment, Suffocation, Explosion from
formation of dangerous gases and poisoning.
Hand tools Injury including cuts abrasions, electrocution,
strains, sprains and death
Highway traffic Collisions resulting in injury or death
Lifting and lifting Back injury, sprains, strains. Falling material
devices resulting in being struck or crushed by heavy
material
Livestock handling Serious injury or death resulting from being
pinned struck or trampled.
Machinery/Equipment Cuts, abrasions, amputations, death.
Manure pits Explosion from formation of dangerous gases.
Suffocation. Poisoning
Mud Sprains, strains, entrapment and suffocation.
Eye injury and skin irritation.
Noise Hearing damage
Ponds Drowning
Slips/Trips/Falls Sprains, strains, back and neck injury, bone
breaks or death
Sun/Heat Sun burn, Heat Stroke, shock, death
Toxic gases Skin and respiratory injury or death.
Explosion.
Tractors Cuts, abrasions, amputations, death.
Wells Electrocution, amputation, death
Severe Weather Electrocution, "struck by" injuries, death
Orthman Manufacturing, Inc. does not limit the potential effects or injuries nor prevention measures to those listed above. They are provided solely as a
guideline to making your farm life safer. Always consult your Owner/Operators Manual for specific tool and equipment safety requirements.
Potential Effect or Injury
MSDS and proper Personal Protective Equipment. Review Manufacturers data sheets
Dress properly for the day.
Be aware of your surroundings and activity
Use a qualified professional for wiring dangerous electrical devices. Never overload a
circuit. Replace damaged electrical devices or cords. Electrical tape will not insulate you
from injury.
Make sure the bin is properly ventilated and maintained. Never walk the grain.
Make sure you hand tools are in good condition. Never leave a damaged tooling
accessible for someone else to use.
Follow regulations, stay alert. Avoid alcohol and use of communication devices while
driving
Use proper lifting technique. Get help when the load is too heavy. Inspect chains, straps
or cables routinely to make sure they are in good condition.
Always make sure you have adequate room and an escape route
Thoroughly read and understand your Owners Equipment Manual. Never operate the
equipment without guards in place. Make sure the equipment can not be energized or
otherwise put into operation while you are working on it.
Proper maintenance.
Proper Personal Protective Equipment. In some conditions a "Spotter" may be needed.
Personal Protective Equipment.
Wear a life preserver and make sure help is readily available.
Keep work area free from clutter and organized. If working on anything elevated make
sure you have appropriate guarding and/or fall protection such as a harness and lanyard.
Use common sense on excessively hot days, use sun screen, wear a hat and stay hydrated.
MSDS and proper Personal Protective Equipment. Review Manufacturers data sheets
Thoroughly read and understand your Owners Equipment Manual. Never operate the
equipment without guards in place. Anti-roll over devices.
Avoid contact with water while working on an electrical device. Always be sure the
equipment can/will not be energized during repair or maintenance. Make sure all guarding
is in place.
Move to a safe place. Lightening, hail and tornadoes are unpredictable.
4
Prevention