From feeding communities to providing an in-demand service, there are many rewards to being a farmer. But to achieve success in this competitive industry, you’ll face a lot of risks. A strong farm insurance policy can help cover many of these hazards. However, when it comes to personal safety, you and your team will have to put a lot of precautions into practice—especially when using heavy-duty farm equipment. To help you avoid injuries associated with agricultural work, here are five essential safety tips to follow.  

5 Farm Safety Tips

1. Wear the Right Gear

Farmers use every part of their body to grow and harvest crops. But since many of these tasks can put your body in harm’s way, it’s essential to wear the appropriate safety gear. For example, dust masks and goggles can defend you from flying debris and toxins, while ear muffs can protect against hearing loss when using loud equipment.  

2. Turn Moving Equipment Off Before Handling

Don’t ever handle farm equipment that has moving parts—particularly those that spin, pinch, or have sharp edges—without turning it completely off. If you reach in to remove obstacles—such as plant matter—the machinery could pull you in or cut you. Additionally, tractors and bailers need to be put in to park to avoid movement that could result in you being run over or crushed.

3. Guard Machinery

Machine guards are attachments that hook onto farm equipment to prevent debris from flying. These are best used in industrial lawn mowers, as they will prevent rocks, branches, and other large material from flying into the air and causing damage or injury. This protection can keep you and your team from getting hit by waste or parts. It will also help contain waste so that the workspace remains clear.

4. Prevent Tractor Overturns

Rolling over in a tractor could crush both you and your equipment. That’s why it’s critical to install roll-over protective structures on any tractor in service. If you experience an overturn, this structure will help shield your body from impact.

5. Rest Up

Farming is tiring, so it’s crucial to get a full night’s sleep before every workday. If you don’t get enough quality rest, you run the risk of having a slow reaction time, falling asleep behind-the-wheel, or making bad judgments—all issues that can compromise safety.

When you want to improve your peace of mind on the fields, turn to Texas County Mutual Insurance. Serving the Licking, MO community and beyond, this agency offers a wide range of coverage options to protect your farm and farm equipment. If an accident happens, these caring professionals will provide support every step of the way to ensure you’re adequately covered. To learn more about their farm insurance products, visit this company online. For a custom insurance quote, call (573) 674-3125.