Extreme Weather Adds to Harvest 2022 Safety Risks
It goes without saying that harvest time can be one of the most dangerous periods of the farming year. This year however, the extreme heat and drought-like conditions have combined to present a bigger challenge than normal for the UK’s farmers with fire an ever-present threat.
What measures can I put in place before harvest?
- Check your tractors, trailers, combines, balers, and other harvest equipment, making sure they are safe, roadworthy and that you are up to date with maintenance schedules.
- Train your staff, especially new staff, to ensure they are aware of all safety hazards, emergency procedures and company and highway rules, especially in relation to harvest risks.
- Share detailed field and yard plans with staff and contractors, showing all risks and land features such as location of overhead powerlines, steep gradients, public rights of way, obscured field entrances, ditches etc.
- Remind staff to follow SAFE STOP before leaving cabs, ensuring parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance, and to wear seat belts at all times, whether on highways or in fields / yards.
- Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine – and that it is regularly maintained.
- Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers.
- Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation.
Measures during harvest
- Carry out daily vehicle/ machinery safety checks, regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots e.g., in combines and balers.
- Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings.
- Continue to remind staff to always practice SAFE STOP.
- In very dry conditions, keep a bowser filled with water on hand, and be prepared to create a fire break in the event of a crop fire.
- Remind staff to keep well-hydrated, take sufficient rest breaks and monitor for fatigue, stress and mental ill health symptoms. Look after and check in on lone workers.
- Keep mobile phones on your person – don’t leave in a tractor or pick up cab.
Measures in the yard
- Instruct drivers to keep to safe speeds in the yard and segregate pedestrians from vehicles where possible.
- Keep children away from working areas.
- Regularly clean dust from grain dryers and ensure that staff are fully trained and know what to do if a fire breaks out.
- Ensure that fire extinguishers are readily accessible.
For further help and advice please contact our Health & Safety Team on 01981 590514.
