Farm safety tips from Ohio BWC

Summer on the farm is one of the busiest times of the year, with hay to bale, cows to feed, wheat to harvest, and equipment to repair…all squeezed into days that never seem long enough. The demands of the season make it tempting to rush, but it’s never worth the risk of injury or equipment damage that could result in costly setbacks, sideline you for weeks or permanently change your life.

Here are some common farm safety practices you shouldn’t skip, even if you’re in a hurry.

Climb safely using three points of contact

  • Jumping down from equipment or skipping the last step or two may save seconds, but a shattered ankle – and weeks in a walking boot while someone else does your chores – isn’t worth it.

Buckle up every time

  • If your equipment has a rollover protective structure (ROPS) or cab, buckle your seat belt every time – even during frequent stops. On hillsides or near deep ditches where equipment can slide or overturn, your seat belt could be the difference between walking away from an incident…or suffering a life-changing injury.

Keep PTOs and guards in place

  • Power take-offs (PTOs), belts, chains, and other moving equipment parts can cause life-altering injuries in seconds. Before operating equipment, ensure all guards and shields are properly installed and in good condition. Never step over or reach across a rotating PTO and always shut off the equipment and wait for all parts to stop before performing maintenance or clearing a blockage.

Stay ahead of heat stress

  • While our brains might appreciate caffeine, our bodies need water. Dehydration, especially in excessive heat, can cause headaches or other symptoms that pull us out of the field. Remember: Hydrate, Rest, Shade.

Protect yourself from falls

  • Wear a properly fitted harness and connect to an appropriate anchor point when climbing grain bins or working at elevated heights. Skipping may seem faster, but the consequences of a fall will last much longer.

Have a plan for severe weather

  • Summer storms can develop quickly and create dangerous conditions during field work. Plan ahead and make sure everyone knows when and where to take shelter.

Every job on the farm is important, but making it home safely is the most important. Making safety part of every task, prevents injuries, reduces downtime, and keeps your operation moving forward all season.

BWC’s Office of Safety Services can help policyholders evaluate safety practices, develop needed safety programs, and access training, at no additional cost. Contact your local service office, call 800-644-6292, or submit a request online. Have your BWC policy number ready, and a safety consultant will contact you within two business days.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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