Harvest safety starts before the combines roll

Start with a team briefing

Whether they are family members, employees, contractors or seasonal workers, everyone should receive the same briefing before work begins.

It’s important to cover emergency contact details, where to find first aid kits, fire extinguishers and assembly points, reporting procedures for damaged machinery or unsafe situations, and any site-specific hazards such as overhead power lines, public footpaths and underground services.

If contractors are working on your farm, also provide field maps so they are clear where potential risks might be before heading out.

It is also worth reminding everyone about mobile phone use while driving or operating machinery, as well as your policies on smoking, alcohol and drugs. Also encourage people to speak up if they are unsure about a task or spot something that does not look right. Good communication helps prevent small issues becoming serious incidents.

 

Machinery checks matter

Anyone operating machinery should be trained and competent, and machinery, vehicles and equipment must be roadworthy, well maintained and safe to use. Always carry out safety checks before heading out into the field and encourage defects to be reported straight away so timely repairs can protect against bigger problems developing later.

If a problem occurs out in the field, follow the Safe Stop procedure before leaving the cab to carry out maintenance or clear a blockage:

• Apply the handbrake.
• Put controls into neutral.
• Switch off the engine or power supply.
• Remove the key.

 

Look up before entering a field

When entering a new field, identify any overhead power lines and plan work around them. If machinery touches a power line, stay inside the cab, warn others to keep well away and call 105 immediately. Leave the vehicle only if there is immediate danger, such as fire, and jump well clear without touching the machine.

 

Take your time when faults occur

Trying to clear blockages or investigate faults while under pressure continues to be one of the most common causes of serious injuries in agriculture.

Where possible, repairs should be carried out by a competent person in a workshop using the correct tools and equipment. If work has to be done in the field, avoid improvising if it puts someone at risk. Taking a few extra minutes to find the right equipment is better than rushing a repair.

If you are working alone, carry a fully charged mobile phone and use what3words to share your exact location in an emergency. Regular check-ins with someone on the farm also provide reassurance everyone is safe.

 

Looking after each other

Harvest places extra demands on everyone. Long days can affect concentration, judgement and decision-making, increasing the chance of mistakes.

Encourage regular breaks, make time to eat and stay hydrated throughout the day, and keep an eye on one another. Looking after your own wellbeing and supporting those around you is just as important as maintaining machinery.

Leading by example and making safety part of everyday conversations helps create a culture where everyone feels confident to raise concerns before problems develop.

 

Remember

• Brief everyone working on the farm before harvest begins, including contractors and seasonal workers.
• Check machinery before and throughout harvest, reporting defects as soon as they are found.
• Carry a fully charged mobile phone and use what3words when working alone.
• Plan work around overhead power lines and know what to do if contact is made.
• Always follow the Safe Stop procedure before leaving a vehicle cab.
• Keep children under 13 out of machinery cabs and always supervise children around the farm during busy periods.

 

Helping you make your farm safer

Our specialist in-house Farm Health and Safety Advisors provide tailored, practical support on an on-going basis that helps you put a health and safety system in place and meet legal requirements. This safeguards you, your family, employees and your business, allowing you to rest assured your farm is as safe as it can be.

To find out more about our Farm Health & Safety Service, click here or speak to your local Field Advisor.