SAFETY

Tractor Safety

• Install a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) on your older tractors. Rollovers account for more than half of all on-farm fatalities annually
• Do not allow "extra riders," especially children.
• Keep all PTO shielding in place and stop the PTO when dismounting from the tractor
• Keep platforms, footplates and steps clear of mud, snow or other debris

Combine Safety

• Never enter the grain tank while the engine is running, and never use your hands or feet to break up bridged grain.
• Use the power reverser to unplug the feederhouse and header.
• Help prevent fires by removing accumulations of chaff and crop debris from around the engine and moving parts.
• Extra riders only for training and if there is a training seat

General Machine Safety

• Read, understand and follow all instructions in your machine's operation manual.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Be physically and mentally fit and take regular breaks. Fatigue and stress can detract from safe machine operation.
• Shut down equipment, turn off engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop before dismounting equipment.
• Keep first-aid kit and fire extinguisher handy
• Keep all guards and shields in place.
• Prevent runovers by never bypass starting the engine.

Riding Mower Safety

• Do not carry or let children ride on your mower even in a cart, trailer or other attachment.
• Mow up and down the slope with lawn tractors on hillsides, not across. For zero-turn mowers, mow across the slope, not up and down.
• Do not mow in reverse.
• Avoid steep slopes where the mower could tip and keep tires properly inflated for a stable ride.
• Never operate with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a grass catcher.

Walk Behind Mower Safety

• Be sure grass is dry before cutting, to prevent the operator from slipping.
• Keep the discharge chute, bagger, or mulch plug in place at all times.
• Wait until the engine stops before removing the bag.
• Mow across the slope of gentle hillsides, not up or down
• Avoid situations that require you to pull the lawn mower backwards; this will lessen the chance of injury to your feet.

General Mower Safety

• Inspect your mower for damaged or worn parts, guards or safety labels and replace as necessary.
• Pick up all debris in the lawn -- anything the mower could pick up and throw.
• Mow when the grass is dry for proper traction (for feet and wheels)
• Fuel your mower outdoors. Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel when the engine is running.
• Keep hands and feet away from mower blades
• Do not allow children or pets near the mowing area.
• Never allow children to operate power mowers. Wait until they are physically and mentally mature enough to handle the job.

Chainsaw Safety

• Thoroughly clean and visually inspect your chainsaw for overall condition, worn parts or leaks. Tighten all accessible screws and nuts (not adjusting screws)
• Check operation of the throttle trigger and ensure the trigger interlock functions correctly
• Inspect chain integrity and check chain sharpness, tension and lubrication.
• Check for wear and damage of guide bar, clean and turn over to ensure even wear
• Clean or replace air filter if necessary and clean cooling inlets to maintain proper airflow
• Readjust spark plug electrode gap and replace if necessary (typically after 100 hours of use)

Trimmer Safety

• Use your line trimmer only for weeds and grass.
• Keep firm footing and balance. Don't overreach when trimming
• Move the trimmer in a sweeping motion away from your body. And always keep safety shields in place.
• Keep your body away from the rotating string head and hot surfaces
• Always keep string head below waist level
• Make sure lighting conditions are adequate.
• Position the muffler side of the engine away from your body to avoid burning your arm.

Safety Resources

National Safety Council | NECAS | NIFS | NASD | John Deere Golf and Turf Safety Information | John Deere Agricultural Safety Information | Stihl Product Safety Manuals | Stihl Safety Videos | Farm Safety 4 Just Kids