Remember to follow safety precautions during wheat harvest!
Sandra Wick - Crop Production Agent
It is always an exciting time of the year for the wheat harvest to arrive in Kansas! The beautiful wheat fields take on a special meaning in the “wheat” state! Yields and test weights are coming in great this year and I have heard that some producers are experiencing the best yields they have seen in many years!
During wheat harvest season, countless hours will be spent in combines, tractors, trucks and other
equipment by farmers and workers who will be transporting large equipment on our roads and highways. Some workers may be young, new or inexperienced, so it’s always a good idea to remember safety precautions and reinforce the importance of safety on the farm. Agriculture ranks among the nation’s most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries, and farming is one of the few industries in which family members, who often share the work and live on the premises, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.
Harvest season can be a very stressful time for farm families, so it is important to remember these simple guidelines to keep everyone safe.
· Make sure that anyone operating the combine and other harvest machinery, has been trained to use it and is aware of potential hazards.
· Before approaching machinery for maintenance or inspection, make sure it is shut down with the engine off, the key removed, and all moving parts stopped completely.
· Keep bystanders away from harvesting equipment and never allow extra riders. One seat means one rider.
· Remember for everyone to share the road! When it is necessary to move heavy, slow-moving equipment on public roads, try to pick a time with light traffic flow to minimize contact with traffic.
· Make sure all the appropriate safety lights work properly and safety reflectors are visible to other motorists.
· Always use a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem on vehicles that travel less than 25 miles per hour.
·
Be sure and take breaks often to prevent fatigue and stress which can prevent accidents.
· Keep hydrated and be sure to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
It is always an exciting time of the year for the wheat harvest to arrive in Kansas! The beautiful wheat fields take on a special meaning in the “wheat” state! Yields and test weights are coming in great this year and I have heard that some producers are experiencing the best yields they have seen in many years!
During wheat harvest season, countless hours will be spent in combines, tractors, trucks and other
Harvest season can be a very stressful time for farm families, so it is important to remember these simple guidelines to keep everyone safe.
· Make sure that anyone operating the combine and other harvest machinery, has been trained to use it and is aware of potential hazards.
· Before approaching machinery for maintenance or inspection, make sure it is shut down with the engine off, the key removed, and all moving parts stopped completely.
· Keep bystanders away from harvesting equipment and never allow extra riders. One seat means one rider.
· Remember for everyone to share the road! When it is necessary to move heavy, slow-moving equipment on public roads, try to pick a time with light traffic flow to minimize contact with traffic.
· Make sure all the appropriate safety lights work properly and safety reflectors are visible to other motorists.
· Always use a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem on vehicles that travel less than 25 miles per hour.
·
Be sure and take breaks often to prevent fatigue and stress which can prevent accidents. · Keep hydrated and be sure to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Remember, it only takes seconds for a farm accident to happen! We wish you a safe and great harvest!
