# 10 Safety Tips for Agricultural Equipment and Its Uses

Whether you are an agricultural equipment expert or not, before purchasing a new planter or tractor, we want to remind you: safety precautions should be taken when operating agricultural equipment. Agricultural machinery is the leading cause of fatal injuries in the agricultural sector. Every time you work on the farm, remember this simple formula: Safety = Good working equipment + Capable and focused operator Although properly functioning equipment is an important part of farm safety, most accidents are actually caused by distracted, overly fatigued, or inadequately prepared operators. 10 Farm Equipment Safety Tips Keep the following tips in mind to avoid accidents when operating equipment and machinery on the farm. 1. Read and follow the manual. Always carefully read the instructions for each piece of equipment. For example, your new tractor may operate differently from your old one. Then, strictly follow the instructions and rules. 2. Know and comply with federal and state laws and regulations. These laws are designed to protect you and the public around you. It is best to make sure you are aware of relevant legal changes to avoid fines. For example, Wisconsin recently changed the lighting and marking requirements for all implements of husbandry (IoH) to further protect operators and drivers on public roads. 3. Always keep your slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign clean, clearly visible, and properly mounted. This is an important regulation, and complying with it can prevent rear-end collisions during transport and may even save lives. Road safety is crucial. 4. Dress appropriately. In the past, loose shoelaces, flowing long hair, and dangling threads from old shirts have all caused serious injuries when operating agricultural equipment. Dressing appropriately reduces the risk of such injuries. 5. Make sure you get enough sleep. Feeling fatigued while operating machinery can be dangerous, so make sure you are able to rest when you need to. 6. Avoid alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to operate machinery. Do not drink alcohol before the workday is over. 7. Stay alert. Stay focused and be aware of what you are doing and where you are going. 8. Adjust equipment accordingly. This means ensuring that all shields, guards, and access panels remain in place when operating equipment, and making necessary modifications to the equipment based on working conditions. 9. Keep children and animals away from the work area. Farms provide a world full of adventure for curious children. To avoid catastrophic accidents, keep children's play areas separate from work areas, know exactly where children are even when mowing, and do not let a moment's accident leave a child with permanent injury. 10. Learn about planter equipment safety. Although operators should also observe similar precautions when operating planter equipment, reading the specific details is equally beneficial. Remember: Agricultural equipment safety starts with you! Learn how to properly use your equipment and maintain your farm's safety.