Orthman 125-082-01-EN-OM, Operator'S Manual, Page: 12 / 86

SAFETY INFORMATION
1TRIPR II Row Units OM-EN
2-2
Farm Safety
Contrary to the popular image of fresh air and peaceful
surroundings, a farm is not a hazard-free work setting.
Every year, thousands of farm workers are injured and
hundreds more die in farming accidents. According to the
National Safety Council, agriculture is the most
hazardous industry in the nation.
How You Can Improve Farm Safety
You can start by increasing your awareness of farming
hazards and making a conscious effort to prepare for
emergency situations including fires, vehicle accidents,
electrical shocks from equipment and wires, and
chemical exposures. Be especially alert to hazards that
may affect children and the elderly. Minimize hazards by
carefully selecting the products you buy to ensure that
you provide good tools and equipment. Always use seat
belts when operating tractors, and establish and maintain
good housekeeping practices. Here are some other steps
you can take to reduce illnesses and injuries on the farm:
• Read and follow instructions in equipment operator’s
manuals and on product labels.
• Inspect equipment routinely for problems that may
cause accidents.
• Discuss safety hazards and emergency procedures
with your workers.
• Install approved rollover protective structures,
protective enclosures, or protective frames on
tractors.
• Make sure that guards on farm equipment are
replaced after maintenance.
• Review and follow instructions in material safety data
sheets (MSDSs) and on labels that come with
chemical products and communicate information on
these hazards to your workers.
High Risk Factors on Farms
The following factors may increase risk of injury or illness
for farm workers:
• Age — Injury rates are highest among children age
15 and under and adults over 65.
• Equipment and Machinery — Most farm accidents
and fatalities involve machinery. Proper machine
guarding and performing equipment maintenance
according to manufacturers’ recommendations can
help prevent accidents.
• Protective Equipment — Using protective equipment
such as seat belts on tractors and personal
protective equipment (PPE) (safety gloves, coveralls,
boots, hats, aprons, goggles, and face shields) could
significantly reduce farming injuries.
• Take precautions to prevent entrapment and
suffocation caused by unstable surfaces of grain
storage bins, silos, or hoppers. Never “walk the
grain.”
• Be aware that methane gas, carbon dioxide,
ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide can form in
unventilated grain silos and manure pits and can
suffocate or poison workers or explode.
• Take advantage of safety equipment, such as bypass
starter covers, power take-off master shields, and
slow-moving vehicle emblems.
• Medical Care — Hospitals and emergency medical
care are typically not readily accessible in rural areas
near farms.
The Benefits of Improved Safety and Health
Practices
Orthman Manufacturing provides this document in the
hope that everyone that has a job to do, does it SAFELY.
Our goal and yours should be to end each day in the best
possible health. Better safety and health practices reduce
fatalities, injuries, and illnesses as well as associated
costs such as workers’ compensation insurance
premiums, lost production, and medical expenses. A
safer and more healthful workplace improves morale and
productivity.