Don’t Slip Up and Trip Up on the Farm

Precautions for Agricultural Workers

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the most common accident suffered by agricultural workers. Many times, these accidents result in major injuries or death because falls from as little as 12 feet can be fatal.

To avoid trip and fall hazards, consider these safety recommendations:

• Wear shoes and boots with slip-resistant soles and heels.
• Remove tools or other items that may cause a tripping hazard from equipment.
• Keep platforms, foot-plates and steps clear of mud, snow, manure and other debris.
• Allow for extra time to feed livestock and hitch equipment in muddy or wet conditions.
• Use the “four-to-one” rule when using straight ladders. This means that you should set up the ladder base one foot from a wall or building for each four feet of height.

 

Also…

Get a leg up on your duties!

Many accidents occur when workers are in a hurry to get things done. To avoid trip and fall injuries because you are in a rush, perform preventative maintenance tasks on equipment during the off-season. This will allow you to slow down and finish tasks without the risk of injury.