Safety Tips


Safety should always be on your mind when working around tractors, engines, or other farm equipment. Take a few minutes to think about what you are doing before you do it. Maybe more importantly, ask yourself if you do it this way what will be the outcome. Be sure yourself, any bystanders, and other equipment are out of harm's way before you move a tractor or other equipment. Additional safety tips are:

  • Take Time To Be Safe - Saving a few minutes is not worth the chance of losing a lifetime. Don't be too busy to be safe. Help teach that attitude to others.

  • Teach Kids About Farm Safety - When young people become mature enough to help around the farm, it's vital that they receive thorough instructions, including safety instructions. Teach kids safety early and often.

  • Just Say "NO" to Riders - Kids like to climb and ride on equipment, it's in their nature. But don't do it - it's simply too DANGEROUS.

  • Teach Safety By Good Example - Actions speak louder than words, so lead by example! Children notice when adults don't follow the Safety Warnings they give, so always follow safe work practices.

  • Take a Break...In Fact, Take Several - A high percentage of farm accidents occur after 5 p.m. Stress grows from long hours and pushing to finish a job. As we get older fatigue overtakes you before you realize it. Take a few minutes to rest, then pick back up what you were doing. It will make a big difference in safety and productivity.

  • Keep Others Informed When You Work - Let others know where you are working, what you are working on, and when you are likely to return just in case an accident occurs.

  • Make Sure Your Equipment Is Operating Properly - Before you begin work (or operate at a show) inspect each machine thoroughly.  Look for loose or broken parts, check safety shields, guards, reflectors, warning signs, and transport locks. You will be safer and improve performance.

  • Read the Operators Manual. Go Over it Several Times - In addition to helping you operate more efficiently, the manual is the single best source of Safety Precautions. All operators should read and understand the manual.

  • Turn it OFF Before You Step Off - ALWAYS disengage the power, shut off the engine, and remove the key (if equipped) before you work on any part of a machine. When other are working with you, take time to make sure each is clear and in view before you restart the machine.

  • ALWAYS be Safety Conscious - Don't expect you know everything about safety whether you are an experienced operator or not.

  • Safety Pays - Safety is too important and expensive to learn by "accident".  Consider the results of an injury at a club event or on your farm or ranch. Safety - live with it!

  • Safety Is EVERYONE'S Job - Learn to recognize unsafe conditions or hazards to avoid accidents or injuries. Incorporate safety into your normal routine and make SAFETY everyone's business.