Safety Management
Successful farmers and ranchers know how well they use their heads at the desk is
just as important as how they use their hands in the field. There is no substitute
for good management. They also know how accidents and work related illnesses can
cost time, money and sometimes your life. There is no substitute for making safety
and health a top management goal.
- Develop a safety and health plan tailored to your operations, family and employees.
Such plans include a hazardous communications program for family and employees,
a lock-out tagout program for equipment, a fire protection plan, chemical storage
plan, farm safety rules and regulations, an emergency field communications plan,
and a plan in the event a serious farm injury or death occurs. All plans should
be committed to writing and reviewed annually.
- Train your help, inform them of your written plans and rules, enforce farm safety
rules and see that personal protective equipment is cared for and worn.
- Carry out regular safety inspections of equipment and facilities. Make necessary
repairs and keep guards and shielding on.
- Buy quality products, then use them and care for them as directed in product manuals,
labels or as instructed by product suppliers.
- Keep children off and away from machinery. Give youngsters chores they can safely
handle based on their age and ability.
- Take care of your health and respect the limitations of mind and body. Take action
to reduce stress. Resolve to get enough rest and take work breaks to help reduce
fatigue.
- Keep informed about safety, health and environmental issues. Attend local events
about them.
