Working Around Mobile Equipment in Agriculture

1. Operators of mobile equipment have limited visibility, making it important for nearby workers to have full awareness of their surroundings at all times in order to avoid a devastating accident on a ranch or farm.

2. Employees working around tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, balers, or other mobile equipment are at risk for exposure to harmful materials, crushing, and struck-by hazards that could easily result in injury and fatalities.

3. If possible, employees should avoid positioning their work in an area where tractors or other mobile equipment is being used.

4. However, depending on tasks this may not always be possible. Make yourself more noticeable by wearing high-visibility clothing and avoiding the equipment's blind spots.

5. Also, communication is extremely important so make sure to communicate with the equipment's operator if you are in the area or if the equipment makes its way near your working area.

6. When working around mobile equipment that has moving parts, such as hay balers, wear appropriate clothing that cannot catch in the conveyors or moving attachments.

7. Avoid climbing or riding on mobile equipment. If climbing is necessary to provide maintenance, be sure the equipment is properly locked out and the area requiring maintenance is accessed safely.

8. Sprayers can also produce crushing and struck-by hazards, but they can also cause exposure to inhalation of harmful chemicals, such as pesticides. If working nearby when a sprayer is in use, be sure you are at a safe distance and wear the correct PPE.

9. When equipment is being used to turn over soil or harvest, heavy dust and debris can be present. Nearby workers who may be exposed to the harmful inhalation of these particles should maintain a safe distance or wear appropriate PPE.

10. Keep in mind that large, mobile agricultural equipment can also create a lot of noise. If workers are present around these machines they sure wear appropriate hearing protection.

11. What type of mobile equipment is used on your farm or ranch, and what hazards do they pose on ground-workers?

Additional Comments