From David Fischer, UW Extension – Dane County Summer Field Day, 2007
Equipment Safety Highlights
Pinch Points: Belts, chains, pulleys. OSHA would require each of these to be shielded in some manner. Newer equipment should have shields, older equipment may be lost – can you fabricate something?
PTO’s: Knuckles well known for their ability to grab loose clothing, loose shoe strings, hooded sweatshirt strings. All new PTO’s must be shielded with free spinning shield – protects knuckles on both ends as well as shaft.
Tractors: Only one RIDER! Ensure tractor in park when getting off. Make sure you know location of all nearby workers prior to starting PTO driven equipment. If tractor has a loader bucket – drive with bucket in low position. When using 3-point hitch, do not exceed lift capacity of tractor. Tow only from hitch or below.
Straw choppers: If bales not feeding properly – turn off equipment and remove straw to determine problem, pushing on straw only endangers yourself. When changing knives, use good fitting leather gloves.
All equipment: Proper maintenance and lubrication will reduce the risk of injuries occurring. Proper training of equipment operators prior to use will also reduce risk of injury and extend the life of the equipment
Training via approved course must be provided for youth under age of 16 unless job listed as not hazardous. Rules are exempt for your own children on your own equipment. Approved courses usually offered during winter months by UWEX county offices, 25% of area counties (Rock, Iowa, and Walworth) offer a summer course.
Non- hazardous jobs
Ø Driving garden type tractor less than 20 hp
Ø Picking berries
Ø Fueling tractors and performing equipment maintenance
Ø Mowing lawn
Ø Picking vegetables
Ø Trimming/pruning hedges or grapes
Ø Pruning Christmas trees