Adapted by SWNYDLFC from Penn State Extension - Authors Linda Fetzer and Florence Becot

Special precautions must be taken when moving tractors and equipment on public roadways. Most agricultural equipment travels at less than 25 mph, while other motor vehicles travel at much greater speeds, and they underestimate the amount of braking time needed to avoid a collision. Most states require a slow-moving emblem (SMV) on the back of all tractors, towed implements, and self-propelled implements. Guidelines and recommendations were developed for lighting and marking of farm equipment that travel on public roadways. For a complete breakdown of lighting and marking requirements in New York, visit the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. 

Prevent heatstroke, sunburn, and skin cancer by adding these steps to your daily safety and health routine. Wear adequate protective clothing: prefer long pants and sleeves; wear a wide-brim hat and wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection.

Sunscreen: make a habit of using broad spectrum - against ultraviolet lights A (UVA) and B (UVB) - sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Even on cloudy or cooler days, apply on the face and every body part exposed to the sun. Don't forget the ears, the neck, the hands, and the feet! Apply generously 30 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours (or more if you use a spray sunscreen or if you are sweating).

Whenever possible, seek shade and use tents, canopies, or shelters if available.

Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids during the day. Watch the Penn State Extension Learn Now video How To Enjoy The Sun Safety.

Gas meter. Photo credit: Eileen Fabian, Department of Ag & Bio Engineering

Spring is the prime time of the year to apply manure, but manure gas is invisible and dangerous. For example, hazardous levels of hydrogen sulfide gas can be released during manure agitation, even with open-air lagoons, and can lead to the sudden loss of consciousness. Here are simple steps to follow when working around manure:

• Ensure that anyone who needs to be near manure-storage structures is aware of the potential hazards, including the effects of different gases.
• Humans cannot smell deadly manure gases.
• In particular, hydrogen sulfide offers its "rotten egg" smell at low but unhealthy concentrations, but we cannot smell it at deadly concentrations. Because this gas is heavier than air, hydrogen sulfide will stay or flow downward.
• During manure agitation, prevent access to low-lying areas next to the structures and consider a buffer zone of at least 20 feet around the structure.
• Keep children away from hazardous farm operations, as even low concentrations of toxic gas can harm them.
• Bystanders and nonessential workers should stay clear during agitation and manure pump-out operations.
• Be aware that dangerous levels of toxic gases can push up through slotted floors into animal housing when agitating manure storages located below animal living areas. Ensure these areas are well-ventilated before and during agitation. In some cases, people and animals may need to be removed.
• If you need to be near agitated spaces, it is recommended that a portable gas detector is worn to receive an early warning if toxic gas is present. These detectors are relatively inexpensive and sound an audible alarm upon detection of dangerous levels.

To learn more, read Manure Gas is Invisible and Dangerous, but Safety is Simple and Gypsum-Bedding and Manure-Storage Gas Emissions Additional Resources.

Are you planning to hire youth to work at your farm operation? If so, are you aware of the U.S. Department of Labor's Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture (Ag HO)? Since 1969, the U.S. Department of Labor has declared many agricultural tasks hazardous to youth younger than 16. With certain exemptions, the employment of youth under 16 for tasks that require the operation of a tractor and machinery is illegal unless the youth are certified. By completing a certification program, 14- and 15-year-old youth may legally operate farm tractors and powered machinery for hire, which they otherwise would not be allowed to operate under the U.S. Department of Labor's AgHO. Learn more about the certification through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program.

Before you start your busy spring, take time to provide your workers with training on all aspects of the farm operation. Training topics can include the location of first aid kits and emergency contact information, safety protocols around equipment (e.g., turn off the tractor before doing any maintenance, etc.), proper clothing for specific jobs (e.g., no flip flops, no loose-fitting clothing around PTO, etc.) and daily pre-operational checks for tractors and equipment. Consider organizing a safe tractor operation workshop for your workers. If you need an outline for a workshop for your employees, our guide to teaching safe tractor operation will help you.

Winter and early spring are the perfect time to be doing maintenance on your equipment, but there are several things that you should do daily before using your tractor. Doing a pre-operational check on your tractor may prevent costly repairs, downtime for repairs, and frustrations. Check out Pre-Operational Checks for Tractors.

The Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft transfers mechanical power from the tractor to an implement. This transfer of power is efficient but also presents an entanglement hazard that could result in serious injury or death. Preventative steps in reducing a PTO entanglement incident include the following:

• Keep all components of PTO systems shielded and guarded. You can purchase PTO guards from the Northeast Center.
• Disengage the PTO and shut off the tractor before dismounting to clean, repair, service, or adjust machinery.
• You should regularly test driveline guards by spinning them to ensure that is shaft is not stuck.
• Always walk around tractors and machinery instead of stepping over a rotating shaft.
• Always use the driveline recommended for your machine. Never switch drivelines among different machines.
• Position the tractor's drawbar properly for each machine used to help prevent driveline stress and separation on uneven terrain and during tight turns.
• Reduce PTO shaft abuse by observing the following: avoid tight turns that pinch rotating shafts between the tractor and machine; keep excessive telescoping to a minimum; engage power to the shaft gradually; and prevent the over-tightening of slip clutches on PTO-driven machines.
• Be sure the PTO driveline is securely locked onto the tractor PTO stub shaft.
• Keep universal joints in phase. (If unfamiliar with this term, check the operator manual or talk with a farm implement dealer.)

Reducing the risk of injury and death on the farm is important because agricultural owners, operators, and workers are so vital to our communities. Have a safe and successful spring season at your farm operation!