Grand Island Regional Medical Center Encourages Focus on Safety During Harvest Season

Grand Island, NE (September 23, 2024) – Harvest is underway in Nebraska, and it is a hectic time for local farmers. Grand Island Regional Medical Center would like to remind famers and the public to be aware of the dangers that exist with the activities of harvest.

Please review the following topics to improve your knowledge of safety hazards and plan for the appropriate response in an emergency.

AVOID FATIGUE

The work ethic and continuous drive that farmers demonstrate during harvest is admirable. But when physically demanding work results in fatigue, it becomes a dangerous risk. Make sure you are getting adequate sleep and if you feel fatigued, take a break. Failing to do so can result in dangerous shortcuts that compromise your safety, as well as the safety of other workers in your fields. Do not operate vehicles or machinery when you are not fully alert.

TRAVEL WITH CAUTION

Cautious travel during the harvest season is imperative for farmers and for ALL drivers.

Farmers:

• Verify that all lights and flashers on your equipment are working appropriately. Use signals, flags, and slow-moving emblems on all equipment.
• Avoid driving distractions, including smart phones.
• Be aware of the height of your equipment in relation to low bridges, power lines and other overhead obstacles.
• Use turn signals and hand signals to communicate with other drivers. Check traffic before turning to assure vehicles in your rear view are not attempting to pass you.

All Drivers:

• Rural roads see heavy traffic during the harvest season and crops can reduce visibility at intersections. Proceed with caution.
• Remember that farm equipment and tractors typically move at a speed between
  5-15 mph. Leave as much room as possible when meeting large equipment on the road.
• Anticipate large farm equipment to take wide turns. Watch for turn signals and hand signals.
• When passing, double check for oncoming traffic.
• Be patient. Allow farmers to pull their equipment to the side of the road to allow you to pass when it is available to do so safely.

TRAIN YOUR WORKERS AND COMMUNICATE WITH THEM

Training and communication with seasonal workers is essential in preventing accidents. Never allow anyone to operate machinery without proper training, no matter how hectic your schedule may be. Take the time each day to review with your workers the specific hazards in each field.

KEEP A DISTANCE FROM ELECTRICAL FACILITIES

Always be aware of the location of power lines when you are in the field. Use a spotter when maneuvering large equipment to obtain an accurate vantage point of your clearance. If you need to move large equipment or structures, contact your local utility to request assistance for proper clearance. Never try to manipulate powerlines for clearance.

USE CAUTION WITH GRAIN BINS

• Always lockout and tagout unloading equipment before entering a bin.
• Never work alone in a bin. Always have another person watching your work who can call for help.
• Always wear a harness or a lifeline.
• Never enter a bin while an auger is running.

BE CAUTIOUS FOR MACHINE ENTANGLEMENT

Machinery entanglements are the leading cause of injury and death on the farm. Keep your hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from moving parts of augers. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry. Always shut your equipment down before performing maintenance. If an individual is pushing grain out of a truck, turn the augers off.

HELP YOUR CHILDREN TO RESPECT HAZARDS ON THE FARM

Review safety rules with your children. Never allow them to be unsupervised in any of the areas where a hazard exists.

RESPOND APPROPRIATELY TO ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES

In the event of an emergency, call 911. Be familiar with your location and share location coordinates with all people working in your field. This will help to provide accurate information to emergency dispatchers if you need an ambulance. Grand Island Regional Medical Center provides Grand Island and surrounding communities with high-quality, comprehensive emergency care. If you experience an accident this harvest season, visit our Emergency Department and Basic Level Trauma Center, at 3533 Prairieview Street, at the intersection of US Highway 281 and Husker Highway. If you require transport by ambulance, ask your emergency responder to take you to Grand Island Regional Medical Center.

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SOURCE:

Staying Safe During Harvest | CropWatch | University of Nebraska–Lincoln (unl.edu)