Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations. The statistics tell the tale.
One of the most common causes of injury and death is the unsafe use of
equipment. These injuries can be prevented by taking necessary safety
precautions. Farm owners are responsible for the safety of their workers. They
must ensure that employees and family workers are trained on the proper and
safe ways to do their jobs. The risk of injury and illness can be reduced by
taking preventive steps such as conducting routine hazard checks on equipment,
buildings and grounds - and correcting problems immediately.

Follow these tips when working with or around farm equipment:

• Read and follow the operator's safety manual and product labels for each
  piece of farm equipment being used.


• Ensure that workers have been trained and are capable of safely using the
  farm equipment.


• Be alert. Get enough rest, take breaks as needed and do not drink alcohol
  before operating equipment.


• Keep children away from the working area.


• Ensure all guards, shields, and access doors are in place when the equipment
  is in operation. If they must be removed for any reason, ensure that the
  equipment is not operated until they are put back on. Replace any missing or
  damaged guards or shields.


• Always stop the engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all moving
  parts to stop, before servicing, adjusting, cleaning, or unclogging equipment.
  Allow the engine to cool before refuelling.

General Tractor Safety

Tractors are the single biggest causes of deaths and injuries on the farm, with
tractor roll overs and runovers causing almost half of all farm fatalities.
Keep safety in mind at all times and follow these guidelines to safely work
with tractors:

• Know how to use the tractor safely. Know the location and function of the
  controls and how to stop the tractor quickly in the event of an emergency.


• Properly train and supervise new operators before allowing them to drive.


• Before starting the tractor, inspect the vehicle. Check for parts that might
  have been loosened and tighten or replace any parts that are not in good
  working order. Check the oil and fuel level when the engine is cool.


• Wear clothing that is snugly fitted so it won't get caught in the machinery,
  and that protects (e.g. steel shank boots, long pants). Use personal protective
  equipment (e.g. eye protection) where necessary.


• Do not allow riders on a tractor - there should only be one person on board.


• Install an approved roll over protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt - and
  use them.


• Place the tractor in neutral or park before starting it, and only start the
  engine from the driver's seat. Never bypass start the engine (operator
  "bypasses" safety procedures and the normal starting system - e.g. touching a
  screwdriver to the starter contacts to activate the engine). This is extremely
  dangerous. There is a risk of losing control of the vehicle and it could hit
  someone - injuring or even killing them.


• Disengage the gears and turn the engine off before leaving the tractor
  unattended.


• Hitch loads only to the drawbar - no higher. When using three-point rear
  hitches or hauling heavy loads, add front-end weights to maintain stability and
  control steering.

Driving the Tractor Safely

• Before starting the tractor, make sure no one is behind, under or in front of
  it.


• When driving the tractor, start slowly, change gears carefully, and when
  pulling a heavy load, apply the power slowly.


• To avoid rolling the tractor over, stay away from ditches, steep slopes, and
  streams.


• Back up hills - it is safer.


• Slow down when turning, crossing slopes, or driving on rough, slick, or muddy
  surfaces.


• When travelling on the road, or at higher speeds, lock the brake pedals
  together for single action braking.

Further Information

AplusA-online.de - Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety