Spring is a busy time of the year for farmers. Planting is right around the corner and that means machinery will be back on the roadways and farmers will be handling different products. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe this spring.
- Check indicator lights before getting on the road. Not all drivers are aware of tractor roadway etiquette. Be sure all of your indicator lights are working, but also be sure to watch behind you for motorists, especially when before turning left.
- Make sure your slow-moving vehicle sign is visible.
- Ohio law requires the use of the SMV sign on farm machinery and equipment operating on streets and highways at speeds of 25 m.p.h. or less.
- The sign must be firmly mounted, point up.
- The sign needs to be 2-6 feet off the ground.
- Avoid traveling down roads at sunrise or sunset. Sun in your eyes may blind you and you will not be able to see an oncoming vehicle or they may not be able to see you.
- If you have kids on the farm know where they are. Young children may follow you to the tractor without your knowledge. If you know where all kids are at all times that will eliminate tragic accidents.
- Develop a safety plan for your farm. Accidents are more prone to occur during the busy season, because you are tired, working fast, and trying to get everything done. Having a safety plan in place could help save the lives of you and your employees.
- Always follow the label. When applying products like herbicide, pesticide, or fungicide, be sure to read the label and do not overlook precautionary statements.
- Store fuel properly. Store fuel properly away from the machine shed. If a problem were to arise inside the machine shed like a fire the fuel tank being a distance away would be the safest.
On behalf of everyone at Luckey Farmers, we would like to wish everyone a safe and successful spring.
Sources:
Successful Farming
National Ag Safety Database
United Soybean Barn
