Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries, and heavy machinery is often the cause of farm-related injuries and fatalities. Collisions and rollovers are a big concern, but so are mechanical entanglements.
On this episode of Farm Safety Roundup, host Sean Haney is joined by Michael Wilson, senior health and safety consultant and machinery and robot safety expert at Workplace Safety and Preventive Services, to help understand how machinery interacts on the farm. and the importance of prevention. farm.
Wilson said entanglements occur with common equipment such as balers and combines. Power take-offs (PTOs) are particularly dangerous. He shared horrifying anecdotes about close calls with PTOs and emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from these high-speed components. With PTO, tangles can occur in a fraction of a second.
Machines often have safety features, but Wilson warns against complacency and the false sense of security it creates. He emphasizes the need for regular maintenance to ensure guards and fences remain intact and functional. “If barriers aren’t in place, people can get hurt that way,” he warns. “And if it comes off or breaks, we’re exposed to what’s behind the barrier or guard, like the drive belt or the drive chain… so it gives us a false sense of security. can.”
The discussion also touched on the critical importance of lockout procedures when working with machinery, with Mr. Wilson emphasizing the need to shut down hazardous energy sources to prevent accidental start-ups. “When you’re working on an auger or a conveyor, stop and shut down the system. It could be an electrical breaker, it could be an electrical outlet, unplug it, put a lock on it, (on that lock) Put the key in your pocket…that’s a guarantee, it won’t start,” Wilson advised.
Regarding the need for continued vigilance, Wilson highlights the acronym “MAC” (Movement, Access, Consequences) as a simple and effective way to identify mechanical hazards such as entrapment. He urges farmers to take a proactive stance, including regularly assessing farm layouts for potential hazards and ensuring all workers are properly trained in safety procedures. I urged them to keep it. “Stop, think and act,” Wilson stressed. “That’s the key.”
Preventing machine entanglements requires a multifaceted approach that includes awareness, maintenance, and adherence to safety procedures. By prioritizing safety and remaining vigilant, farmers can reduce the risks associated with heavy equipment and ensure the health of themselves and their workers.
For more tips, tools, free, easy-to-use resources, and more, visit: WSPS.ca/Farm Safety
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