Orthman TERRA FIRM'R, Operator'S Manual, Page: 2 / 111

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.
Health and Safety Hazards on Farms
Farm workers including farm families and migrant workers are exposed to hazards such as the following:
Danger Potential Effect or Injury Prevention
Chemicals/Pesticides Skin and respiratory injury or death MSDS and proper Personal Protective Equipment. Review Manufacturers data sheets
Cold Illness, Frostbite or death Dress properly for the day.
Dust Respiratory injury or explosive combinations Be aware of your surroundings and activity
Electricity Shock, burns, fire, death Use a qualified professional for wiring dangerous electrical devices. Never overload a
circuit. Replace damaged electrical devices or cords. Electrical tape will not insulate you
from injury.
Grain bins, Silos Entrapment, Suffocation, Explosion from
formation of dangerous gases and poisoning. Make sure the bin is properly ventilated and maintained. Never walk the grain.
Hand tools Injury including cuts abrasions, electrocution,
strains, sprains and death Make sure you hand tools are in good condition. Never leave a damaged tooling
accessible for someone else to use.
Highway traffic Collisions resulting in injury or death Follow regulations, stay alert. Avoid alcohol and use of communication devices while
driving
Lifting and lifting
devices Back injury, sprains, strains. Falling material
resulting in being struck or crushed by heavy
material Use proper lifting technique. Get help when the load is too heavy. Inspect chains, straps
or cables routinely to make sure they are in good condition.
Livestock handling Serious injury or death resulting from being
pinned struck or trampled. Always make sure you have adequate room and an escape route
Machinery/Equipment Cuts, abrasions, amputations, death. Thoroughly read and understand your Owners Equipment Manual. Never operate the
equipment without guards in place. Make sure the equipment can not be energized or
otherwise put into operation while you are working on it.
Manure pits Explosion from formation of dangerous gases.
Suffocation. Poisoning Proper maintenance.
Mud Sprains, strains, entrapment and suffocation.
Eye injury and skin irritation. Proper Personal Protective Equipment. In some conditions a “Spotter” may be needed.
Noise Hearing damage Personal Protective Equipment.
Ponds Drowning Wear a life preserver and make sure help is readily available.
Slips/Trips/Falls Sprains, strains, back and neck injury, bone
breaks or death Keep work area free from clutter and organized. If working on anything elevated make
sure you have appropriate guarding and/or fall protection such as a harness and lanyard.
Sun/Heat Sun burn, Heat Stroke, shock, death Use common sense on excessively hot days, use sun screen, wear a hat and stay hydrated.
Toxic gases Skin and respiratory injury or death.
Explosion. MSDS and proper Personal Protective Equipment. Review Manufacturers data sheets
Tractors Cuts, abrasions, amputations, death. Thoroughly read and understand your Owners Equipment Manual. Never operate the
equipment without guards in place. Anti-roll over devices.
Wells Electrocution, amputation, death Avoid contact with water while working on an electrical device. Always be sure the
equipment can/will not be energized during repair or maintenance. Make sure all guarding
is in place.
Severe Weather Electrocution, “struck by” injuries, death Move to a safe place. Lightening, hail and tornadoes are unpredictable.
Orthman Manufacturing, Inc. does not limit the potential effects or injuries nor prevention measures to those listed above. They are provided solely as a
guideline to making your farm life safer. Always consult your Owner/Operators Manual for specific tool and equipment safety requirements.