Staying safe at harvest

Before harvest begins is a good time to make sure everyone in the team is fully briefed and trained on farm safety procedures. This includes existing as well as new staff plus any seasonal or temporary workers taken on to cover the busy period.

Pre-Harvest Checklist

Our Pre-Harvest Checklist is designed to cover off the most important points. All staff must have or know the following:

1. Emergency contact information detailing who to contact in case of an accident or injury
2. A list of qualified first aiders and the location of first aid kits and defibrillator, if applicable
3. The location of fire extinguishers, fire assembly points and electricity isolation
4. A list of all employee contact numbers
5. What3words app to establish exact locations
6. Reporting lines for damaged or defective machinery, or any job uncertainty – who they should contact and when
7. Potential hazards they may encounter such as overhead powerlines, public footpaths and underground services
8. Expectations of attitude to safety
9. The farm’s policies on tiredness, smoking, alcohol, drugs, hi-vis workwear and mobiles phones plus the highway code if driving on public roads
10. The importance of good communication between all team members

In addition to these ‘top 10’ points, there are additional areas needing extra attention.

Vehicle and equipment safety

Before and during harvest all machinery and equipment must be checked to ensure it is safe and legal to use. Encouraging staff to report damage or defects immediately allows them to be rectified as soon as possible, helping to prevent breakdowns and loss of valuable working time.

All drivers must be trained and competent to use the machinery they’re operating and not be expected to do anything deemed unsafe. Their driving must be safe and lawful in all weather and traffic conditions, observing the Highway Code.

Safe stop: what is it?

1. Engage handbrake
2. Put controls in neutral
3. Switch off the engine (or turn off the power)
4. Remove the key (or lock-off the power supply)

Safe stop must always be used before leaving the cab to carry out maintenance, clear blockages or attempt to connect power take-offs (PTOs).

Ideally, the safe stop procedure is applied whenever leaving the seat but where this is not practical, extra precautions must be taken and manufacturer’s instructions followed.

Lone Working

Working alone puts staff at additional risk and accidents can have more severe consequences if an injured person is unable to summon help.

Carrying a fully charged mobile phone at all times is essential, especially when leaving the cab, and using the what3words app to give an exact location can prove vital in an emergency. Consider implementing a hi-vis policy for lone workers.

Also encourage staff to check in regularly with others. Set up a group chat so messages can be sent at regular intervals - enough to provide peace of mind everyone is safe.

Overhead Power Lines

When entering a new field, look up and check for overhead obstacles such as power lines and become familiar with their location.

If contact is made with an overhead power line….

1. Remain in the cab
2. Warn others in the area to stay well clear
3. Stay calm and call 105
4. Use what3words to give the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) your exact location so the power can be isolated
5. Do not exit the cab until it’s been confirmed it is safe to do so
6. If it’s necessary to exit the cab sooner, for example if the machine catches fire, do not climb down the steps – JUMP well clear. Do not touch the machine, it could be live!

Contractors

Farmers have a responsibility for third party contractors carrying out work on their land. Provide contractors with yard and field maps to highlight potential danger and any necessary information outlined in the Pre-Harvest Checklist above.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

At a time when everyone is working long hours under increased pressure and additional stress, safety on farm during harvest extends to include the team’s mental health. Being mindful of everyone’s wellbeing, including your own, is essential. Look out for one another.

The first, probably hardest, but certainly most important step, is to reach out and ask for help. Make sure everyone knows the people and resources available to them.

One simple step to help concentration, energy levels and driving performance is to stay hydrated and fuelled throughout the day.

As always, leading by example and showing the importance of prioritising safety helps bring the best out of your workforce.

Remember:

• Do not drive high vehicles and vehicles with high loads or extended booms near to powerlines.
• Do not stack bales or store potato boxes and pallets underneath or near overhead powerlines.
• Maintain equipment and never let it be used with safety defects.
• Look for signs of tiredness in the team as this is when mistakes and accidents happen.
• Stay well hydrated and fuelled throughout the day - don’t rely on coffee and sugary drinks.
• Keep children under the age of 13 out of the cab.
• Always supervise children in the yards during busy periods.