There’s no greater feeling of satisfaction for a farm family than completing a safe and bountiful harvest, says Candace Vanin, farm safety officer for the Saskatchewan government.
“But the effort and cost associated with harvesting is becoming greater every year,” Vanin said.
“Added to these stresses are the traditional problems of limited time and the uncertainty of weather. The result can be fatigue coupled with a perceived need to rush, which can cause inattention to the all-important safety details – details that could be the difference between life and death.”
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Tractors and balers can be deadly
Vanin said combines are the third most common cause of farm death due to machinery; the first two causes involve the operation of tractors and balers. She says this is due to the belts, straw spreader, and pickup or header on combines. The deadliest part of the combine can be the leveling auger in the hopper or grain tank: Many farmers have become entangled in the leveling auger when trying to get a grain sample while the combine is moving.
“Farmers should always keep all safety shields in place. They are there for protection. Farmers should also keep in mind the fact that most moving parts on a combine operate in one direction only, which makes extrication of a victim extremely difficult.”
Fire prevention must be considered at harvest time as well. Dry straw and dust can ignite into major truck, combine or baler fires. This may be prevented by keeping machinery as clean as possible, especially in the engine compartment of self-propelled combines where straw and oil can accumulate and may eventually ignite.
If equipment catches fire in the middle of a field, farmers should not attempt to drive it to the field perimeter or nearest road, Vanin said. The fire will spread faster across the stubble if the vehicle or machine is moved. Fire extinguishers should be in place on all tractors, grain trucks and combines.
“To minimize stress and maximize safety during harvest, the entire family and the hired help should review safety practices daily. Rest breaks should be scheduled and strictly maintained, and two-way radios or cellular phones should be used to report work progress or emergencies. If they haven’t done so already, family members should also plan to learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
Vanin said the seemingly simple task of hauling grain from the combine to the bin also demands an alert and attentive driver. Children should not be allowed in or around grain trucks, and hired help, who often drive trucks during harvest, should be familiar with the operation of the truck, the auger and the grain bins.
Teach children safety
Fatal farm accidents affecting children at harvest time often involve run-over accidents or drowning in grain. Children must be kept away from all trucks, tractors, bins and equipment. Older children and teens often help with harvest chores, but they must be taught well and constantly supervised.
“Years of experience, on the other hand, can lull farmers themselves into a false sense of security. Any complacency can be deadly when it comes to harvest time. Our farm fatality statistics show that, since 1983, 30 percent of all farm deaths in Saskatchewan have involved those over 60 years of age. Adequate planning and rest, and attention to safety are absolutely essential at this time of year,” Vanin said.
