Safe Operation of Farm Vehicles and Harvesters

Farm vehicles and utes

Farm vehicles and utes are involved in many farm injuries and fatalities. A number of factors add to the risks including:

• unrestrained passengers being carried in the tray or on trailers
• unsupervised children around moving vehicles
• inexperienced drivers
• poorly maintained vehicles.

Harvester safety

Planned maintenance and skilled equipment operation can curb downtime and reduce the potential for accidents during harvest.

Make sure you, your employees, relief drivers or contractors are properly trained in how to use the harvester safely.

Hazards

The hazards of harvesters are:

• becoming entangled with the levelling or discharge augers in the grain tank
• falling from the machine, especially during pre/post season cleaning
• contacting overhead power lines
• being run over
• contact with the knife, reel or stripper rotor
• contact with the straw chopper or spreader
• being trapped under the header or injured by the header falling from its transport trailer
• being injured by the drive mechanisms or trapped when automatic sensors operate
• dust
• fires
• noise.

Don’t:

• climb or reach into the grain tank unless the engine and all augers are stopped, and the ignition key has been removed
• climb round areas of the combine unless there is purpose built access available (e.g. steps, standing area etc)
• carry passengers on the header unless a passenger seat is provided
• let people jump on or off your harvester when it is moving
• work under an unsupported header
• carry out maintenance or try to adjust automatic sensors with the engine running
• park, carry out maintenance or extend the unloading auger when under or near over head power lines
• run the combine with the guards raised or removed
• allow children on or near the combine
• brake harshly, especially on slopes.

Do:

• make sure anyone working on the harvester has read and understood the instruction book
• carry out the ‘Safe stop’ procedure before carrying out any maintenance
• have a system for thorough preseason maintenance checks to ensure that all brakes, guards and other safety devices are in effective working order
• use any grain sampling mechanism provided
• have a safe system of work for combining paddocks where there are overhead power lines. This may form part of your written safety policy, but should include as a minimum: knowing the height of your machine (at the highest point including aerials) and the height of overhead power lines. A warning sign as a visible reminder in a prominent position is a good idea.
• use appropriate farm maps as reminders when daily work is being planned
• agree upon routes for travel with the local electricity supply company which take into account safe clearance distances
• follow correct procedures for working under the header (use the supports provided)
• follow correct procedures when transferring the header on and off its transport trailer
• provide and use correct tools and a knife guard to aid safe removal, handling and storage of the cutting knives
• work with the cab door shut (helps control dust and noise)
• be particularly careful when reversing – make sure you can see what is behind you. Sound the horn before starting the engine or reversing.
• wear slip resistant footwear and avoid wearing loose clothing
• take care on steep ground and avoid sudden changes of direction. Brake and turn cautiously on downhill and side slopes.
• park across slopes if possible and ensure the handbrake is fully applied before leaving the vehicle
• make sure all guards are in position and correctly fitted before starting work
• regularly clean straw and chaff deposits from the engine compartment and around belts and pulleys
• make sure there is suitable fire-fighting equipment (e.g. a fire extinguisher) available on the combine (and that the extinguisher is regularly checked).