Going through the harvest steps may seem elementary, especially if you’ve made silage for many years. But every harvest presents different challenges. Time spent thinking through harvest is never wasted.
Farm accidents are a nightmare in many ways, and we empathize with the families and communities that have suffered them. We know farming is one of the most dangerous jobs, and we try to lessen the risk with safety mindfulness.
Our Harvest Safety Video is easy to understand and serves as a quick, potent reminder of our most basic harvest recommendations. Of course, there is always the chance of an accident, but awareness can hopefully mitigate that. See our Learning Center for more videos and to order our exclusive Silage Safety Coloring books - great for kids and adults both!
Everyone can be seen! Issue safety vests or safety clothing before harvest starts, insist on it being worn.
Meet before harvest with everyone involved (21 - 2 weeks before).
Go over harvest goals
Be clear about communications - develop hand signals that everyone uses
Know who is responsible for what
Create a group text and teach everyone when to call 911
Issue safety vests or other safety clothing and insist that everyone wears it
Chopper safety
Follow manufacturer’s suggest safety procedures
Leave guards in place - replace any worn safety stickers
Insist on a total equipment shutdown when unplugging or stopping for any reason
Establish stay-clear zones around the chopper
Truck drivers be aware of rules and speed limits
Pile and bunker safety
Plan for and construct drive-over piles - 3:1 or 4:1 slope
Use sight rails on bunkers, and don’t overfill
Add weight evenly to all pack tractor tires for safety and better packing
Lift, pull, and push all sealing materials correctly to avoid muscle strains
Silo gas
Stay away from orange, low to the ground Nitrogen Dioxide, which forms in the first 24 to 72 hours
Tower silos - watch for the same plus carbon dioxide
Never work alone
Take care of yourself, your families, and your employees
Sleep, eat, drink fluids, and take rest breaks
Absolutely no drugs or alcohol use
“Don’t let the excitement of harvest sidetrack your safety efforts. Huge choppers, trucks and tractors; sharp knives, strong personalities, Mother Nature, and the clock combine to make harvest a tie to be extra sensitive to safety. A well-planned harvest will go a long way in alleviating much anxiety.”