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Tips for Agricultural Safety & Loss Prevention

Anyone in the business of agriculture knows how important safety is for the protection of both the employees and essential supplies. Protecting yourself, your employees, and your equipment is vital to your livelihood. Operating machinery safely and using appropriate protective equipment will reduce your risk of injury or accidents.

The Importance of Safety Training in the Agricultural Industry

Safety training enables those working in agriculture to:

  • Avoid serious and fatal accidents
  • Use chemical pesticides and fertilizers safely
  • Reduce income lost to agricultural accidents
  • Reduce incidences of chemical-related cancers

These outcomes show how important safe practices are for our farmers. Let’s take a look at what agricultural safety practices can be used for farm machinery and highway safety.

Tips for Safely Driving Farm Machinery

It is not uncommon to have to move equipment on public roads or highways. Safe practices are essential to keep yourself, your machinery, and other motorists safe.

  • Check tire pressure and inflate any that are low.
  • Limit the movement of equipment on public roads to daylight hours.
  • Check and adjust mirrors before every trip.
  • Ensure that you have installed reflective tape and Slow Moving Vehicle emblems in locations that are clean and visible.
  • Display a red flag on a 12-14ft high pole to make it easier for motorists to see you around hidden curves or when visibility is difficult.
  • Equip machinery with an approved rollover protective structure and seat belts.
  • Verify all headlights, flashers, brake lights, and any other lights are in working order.
  • When appropriate, have someone follow you in a “trailer” vehicle with their flashers on to encourage others to maintain a safe distance behind you.

While on the road, consider these best practices:

  • Look both ways and be aware of how long it takes your machinery to accelerate compared to the speeds other motorists are driving on the highway.
  • Be aware of road conditions and pay special attention to icy areas, potholes, low clearances, and sudden drops on the shoulder.
  • Make sure you are fit to drive. You should not be fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Travel at safe speeds and slow down while going around curves and up hills.
  • Use hand signals when you are slowing, stopping or turning to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
  • If you find you are obstructing traffic, find a safe place to pull off and let others pass to avoid impatient motorists from taking unnecessary risks to get around you.

Hauling Equipment

Sometimes for longer distances it is better to haul your machinery instead of driving. When hauling, consider these tips to protect your equipment.

  • Haul equipment on an approved flatbed trailer.
  • Ensure the parking brake is engaged and locked on all equipment.
  • Install blocks or stops under the tires for extra protection.
  • Safely tie down all equipment prior to transport.
  • Check state laws about height and width requirements for your machinery.
  • Make sure all necessary flags, lights, and reflectors are installed on both the trailer and your equipment.


Applying these practical tips will help with loss prevention and keep you safe.

About Ianniello Agency

Ianniello Insurance Agency is Northeast Ohio’s premier provider of auto insurance, life insurance, home insurance, agribusiness insurance, farm insurance, business insurance and health insurance. Ianniello Insurance Agency is an IRMI certified Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist. We would be happy to help you establish a policy that meets the individual needs of your farm.

You can count on our personalized service to meet your needs. We take our time to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage. We proudly serve Coshocton, Holmes, and Tuscarawas Counties. Get in touch today for a quote and follow us on Facebook to stay in touch!

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