How to Avoid Falls on the Farm

Falls are a major cause of injury and of lost productivity on farms. In fact, almost one-third of injuries in agricultural production in 2021–2022 that led to days away from work were from falls. Clearly, fall prevention is a key safety issue in any agricultural operation. Fall prevention and the avoidance of fatal farming accidents is a vital part of running a farm. 

But falls can happen all kinds of ways. They occur when employees are working around animals, climbing a ladder or operating machinery. Fall prevention takes careful planning and constant upkeep, but it’s worth it. Prevent falls on the farm by reviewing these fall prevention tips.

Wear Seat Belts

Any worker who is operating a farm vehicle should wear a seatbelt, provided one is available. If the vehicle is involved in a collision or other accident, a seatbelt will keep the operator from being thrown out of the cab. 

Use Ladder Spotters

Some jobs require using a ladder. When that’s the case, prevent falls by making sure someone is around to spot the ladder while someone climbs on it. That will keep the ladder more stable for everyone’s safety. As a bonus, the spotter can help the worker complete the job more efficiently.

Install Railings

Falls often occur when someone is climbing in and out of machinery or in other work areas. Adding railings on tractors and other large equipment is a good way to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Wear Non-Slip Shoes

It’s important to wear the right gear in any job, and working on the farm is no different. A pair of non-slip shoes will help prevent workers from slipping on surfaces that are wet, slick or otherwise frictionless. Slipping is an easy and unexpected way to fall while working.

Add No-Slip Strips

In addition to wearing non-slip shoes, it can be a good idea to purchase non-slip strips and apply them to potentially slick stairs or walkways. This will help reinforce surfaces and cut down on the possibility of falls.

Observe Surroundings

Go on regular inspection walks. Take note of anything you see that is a current or potential hazard, such as a loose railing, cluttered walkway or slick spot. Then, repair those problems quickly while keeping an eye on areas that could become a hazard.

Declutter Work Areas

Having objects in your work area can increase the risk that you’ll bump or trip, which can lead to a terrible fall. Make sure your work area is clear and easy to walk around with no obstacles in the way. Take the time to tidy up at the end of the day, too.

Wear a Safety Harness

Falling in a silo or grain bin can be very dangerous. Whether you’re climbing up a silo or working in the grain bin, you should always wear a harness and have someone with you. This way someone knows where you are and can assist you if something were to happen. 

Review Safety Guidelines

Routinely review safety precautions with family or employees who will be helping on the farm. This guide can be helpful in that review and might provide a helpful template for a safety checklist that caters to your operation. Go over guidelines such as wearing a seatbelt, using railings and waiting for assistance if you need help.

Get Smart With Your Farm Safety

Practicing farm safety is an important part of protecting yourself and others from harm. You can’t control everything that happens, which is why we recommend connecting with your Farm Bureau agent to make sure your insurance covers your specific operation. Curious about our coverage options? Take a look at Farm and Ranch insurance from Farm Bureau to see how we can help.