Today, when we think of farming, our mind wanders to it as a job that farmers do;which helps feed the entire population of the country. However, farming is more than that; it entails a farmer’s creativity, intelligence and hard work that allies in providing food and raw material, both nationally and internationally. The intricacies of agricultural production are not hidden; with new and upcoming technology and machinery entering the market place, the farming maze has intensified with consistent changes and challenges vis-à-vis resource depletion, farming methods and agricultural hazards.

One very significant yet often overlooked aspect of agricultural operations are the distress and dangers faced by farmworkers, both on and off the field. The hazards that a farmer is exposed to, can be environmental, biological, physical and environmental, however the worker’s safety is most compromised while he is using farm machinery.

A farmer, in his whole lifespan is mostly surrounded by agricultural tools and implements; be it as small as a knife or as heavy as a tractor. Although the new technology and machinery has revolutionized the agricultural sector, it is extremely important to keep a check on this precious tool and indulge in the safe use of farm equipment. These tools might pose a threat to the physical wellbeing of the worker, making the farming environment damaging and dangerous to the bone. It is therefore important to consider preventive measures and anticipatory actions in hopes of sheltering, securing and safeguarding a farm worker’s state of being.

Agricultural Tool Safety: Sense and Significance

A prospering agricultural environment is free of injuries, damages, trauma and harm of any kind since only a safe and booming space can successfully feed the ever-growing population, protect the ecosystem and become the prime source of livelihood for a huge number of people. Using heavy duty machinery like tractors, rotavators etc. doesn’t just mean better yield; it also implies that the physical risk of using these machines increase manifold. Farming can become a dangerous profession since it is not very uncommon to fall off from the tractors, breakshoulders, ankles or other body parts while operating machines like power tillers etc. However, following farm machinery safety guidelines can prevent the physical accidents and damage by a significant degree. So, lets quickly jump to farm equipment safety rules that farm workers must adhere by, to ensure minimal damage.

1. Relevant training, preparation and education: With the vast variety of intricate machinery dominating the agricultural market, the preliminary step to machinery operation must be proper training on its usage, functions, features and other processes. Every tool also comes with a user manual that must be thoroughly read, understood and translated before undertaking its operation. When the operator is well educated about the machine and its functioning and follows the farm equipment safety tips, it clears the way towards a protected agrosystem. Some important points of consideration:
   • Conduct training sessions to teach your team about the safety guidelines and machine features such as appropriate speed limit, turning and controlling procedure.
   • Empower your team to never underestimate the power of the user manual. They must be asked to read it thoroughly before starting a machine.
   • Practical demonstration of “what could go wrong” and the means to solve it, can ensure that you and your team stay away from risks and hazards.
     
2. Wear defense on your clothes: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be a mandatory assistance for all operators on the field. Farmers must use gloves, helmets, respirators, goggles, face shields while operating heavy machinery. It is also recommended to wear fitted clothes to ensure that the cloth doesn’t get caught in the moving machinery, along with appropriate footwear such as waterproof boots to assist in the smooth running of farm activities. It is a responsible decision to consistently replace these protective gears whenever needed, to overcome the risk of serious injuries. Some points of consideration are:
   1. Wear appropriate protective gear according to the task at hand.
   2. The cycle of using, maintaining and replacing of the protective gear ensures that the operators are well protected at all costs.
   3. Educate your farm team on the constant need and usage of protection and adherence to farm equipment safety rules while working with heavy machinery and under harmful conditions.
      
3. Periodic examination of machines:The very implements that you work with, must be in their best possible state. Before starting your machine, check for loose or damaged parts, any signs of wear and tear or leaks. If you spot even a single fault, it denotes that the machine’s performing abilities and functionalities are compromised. Some points of consideration are:
   1. Keep a log of your machinery and its parts, including things like repairs and issues.
   2. Ensure that emergency buttons and features are working and all shields are in place.
   3. Check the tires, brakes and seat of the tractor for optimal performance.
   4. Immediately stop if you hear any strange noise or feel a rare sensation. If anything unusual happens, it implies that the machine will not perform properly.
   5. Follow farm machinery safety guidelines at all times.
      
4. Periodic maintenance of machines: Agricultural machinery should constantly be checked for maintenance to increase their working lifespan and protect them from getting damaged. Some tips to maintain the farming equipment are:
   1. Create a well-defined system that keeps a track on the machines maintenance schedule. This ensures regular repairs at the right time, before things go out of hand.
   2. Store your machines properly: you can store the equipment indoors to protect it from harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the machines’ power must be shut down completely and covered properly to avoid any mishap.
   3. Create an appropriate maintenance routine to lubricate, clean and calibrate the equipment.
      
5. Take a break: Before starting your duty as a farmer, you must be well rested, relaxed and ready to take on the day! As a physically straining job, farming requires full attention, focus and determination of the operator, without which his job cannot be completed. You must consider the following:
   1. Do not consume alcohol or any form of drug before or on the job.
   2. To stay alert, make sure you get a good night of sleep.
   3. Stay hydrated and take a break if you feel overwhelmed by stress or fatigue.
      
6. Adhere to the laws: Several government laws, rules and regulations regarding the agricultural machines, its usage and maintenance are meant to be followed to ensure freedom from danger and unwanted fines. Its integral to be aware of laws such as:
   1. Schemes that benefit farmers or their families who have faced loss of any body part or death due to the operation of agricultural machinery.
   2. Laws regarding the regulations and testing of agricultural machinery and their performance.
      
7. Communication is key: When a group of operators are working as a team, its integral to build a good communication network between them to ensure that there is a high level of coordination. We believe that safety begins with team work and to prevent mishaps caused by miscommunication, its integral to set up verbal indications and signals.
   
8. Prepare in advance: Farmers must be equipped to fight adverse weather conditions, seasonal changes or any other physical damage that might occur on field.
   1. During the harvesting season, extra care and attention should be given to addressing machine malfunctions or any possible explosions.
   2. First aid kits must be kept close to the working field.
   3. Safe use of farm equipment must be done in accordance to the workers weight and working capacities.
   4. Floods and hurricanes can hit at anytime. So, an emergency plan must be in place, to fight such a situation.
      
9. Keep the amateurs away: Its very integral to set guidelines to keep children and amateurs at a distance from agricultural machinery. These machines can prove to be dangerous and fatal, so people who do not know how to operate them must steer clear of it.
   1. Educate and warn children and amateurs about the farm machinery safety guidelines.
   2. Lock and cover equipments when they are not in use.
   3. Do not leave the machinery unattended.
      
10. On the road safety: The to and fro of agricultural machinery is not new and so are the mishaps that might happen during this movement. Here are some farm equipment safety tips to ensure that you, your equipment and the public is safe on the road, while you transport your equipment:
    1. Make sure that your machinery is visible yet tightly packed to avoid falling off of any parts.
    2. Obey all the traffic rules like keeping a check on your speed limit and traffic lights.
    3. While driving, make sure to drive according to the size of the equipment you are carrying.

Fieldking’s Farming Tools: The protective umbrella for your farms

While modern agricultural equipment are a boon, they can become a bane if not operated properly. Since you now understand that adhering to farm equipment safety rules is of utmost importance, you can safely invest in farm machinery. Fieldking, India’s well-known agricultural machinery manufacturer offers a wide catalogue of implements that are solid, safe and stable. We believe that our clients’ safety is in our hands, therefore all our machinery is carefully designed with user friendly features, making them simple, practical, convenient and manageable. Investing in our products implies that you are not only investing in perfection but you’re also committing to progress and Fieldking’s passion to create a safe environment for farmers, all across the globe.