Consider Situations That Cause Stress to the Animals and Work to Remain Calm

Land & Cattle Safety Rules

Cattle Handling

Spot the hazard  Consider situations that cause stress to the animals and work to remain calm.  Take into account sex, weight and temperament of stock.  Consider effects of weather and herding on animal behavior, and time allowed for settling down.  All cattle handlers will be trained before working with cattle.  Use the safe guards and mechanical handling devices provided.  Always plan ahead. Prepare and communicate safe work practices. Get assistance if necessary.  Wear appropriate clothing, including protective footwear and a hat for sun protection.  Know the limitations of yourself and others - work within those limitations.  Respect cattle - they have the strength and speed to cause injury.

Facilities and conditions  Keep facilities in good repair and free from protruding rails, bolts, wire etc. Report or fix any problems found.  Try to maintain yards in non-slippery condition as much as reasonable.  Remember, cattle are more unpredictable during cold, windy weather.

The stock  Approach cattle quietly, and make sure they are aware of your presence.  Cattle with sharp horns are dangerous – always be aware of the animals movement.  While drafting cattle through a gate, work from one side to avoid being knocked down by an animal trying to go through.  When closing a gate behind cattle in a crush or small yard, stand to one side or with one foot on the gate in case the mob forces the gate back suddenly.  To avoid kick injuries, attempt to work either outside the animal's kicking range or directly against the animal, where the effect of being kicked will be minimized.  Be aware of the risks of contracting such diseases as Leptospirosis or Q Fever when working with animals. These diseases are transmitted through contact with blood, saliva and urine.

First Aid Emergencies  If a person is bitten, scratched or seriously injured by any farm animal, follow proper first aid and medical procedures. Flammable Liquids and Gases

General rules  Accidents in the handling, use and storage of gasoline, gasohol, diesel fuel, LP- gas and other petroleum products (solvents, paint thinners and naphtha) can result in serious fires and explosions. The chances of fire or explosion can be reduced by following safety precautions and by keeping fuel storage facilities in top condition.  Gasoline, diesel fuel, LP gas, degreasing solvents, paint solvents and certain paints are flammable. Keep these materials away from open flames.  Never store fuel in food or drink containers.  When transferring fuels, bond the containers to each other, and ground the one being dispensed from to prevent sparks from static electricity.  Clean up spills right away and put oily rags in a tightly covered metal container. Change your clothes immediately if you get oil or solvents on them.  Be sure all containers for flammable and combustible liquids are clearly and correctly marked. Read and heed directions on all product containers, noting flammability and safety precautions.

Refueling  Be cautious during refueling. Keep sources of ignition away while refueling. Do not breathe the vapors given off you the fuel.  Avoid over filling. Allow any spilled fuel to evaporate before starting the engine.  Refuel small equipment outside -- never in an enclosed area.

Safety Cans  Only use fuel cans that are properly labeled and of the “safety design”. A safety can is made of heavy-gauge metal and has a cap that automatically closes to prevent a spill if the can is dropped or tipped over. A pressure-relief valve opens when vapor pressure inside the can reaches three to five pounds per square inch. A flash-arresting screen in the filler opening and pouring spout will reduce the possibility of a spark which could cause a fire or explosion. Farm Machinery and Equipment

Tractor  Tractors are the main cause of accidental deaths on farms. Over the years, many farmers, farm workers and others living on or visiting farms, have been killed or seriously injured falling from moving tractors, being run over by tractors, or being crushed when a tractor rolls sideways or backwards.  Be aware of the hazards presented by tractor operation, such as mechanical parts, operator training, other people, work procedures, unsafe jacking, climatic conditions, chemicals used, and uneven terrain.  Read and follow safety procedures in the manufacturer's manual.  Ensure an approved cab or rollover protective structure (ROPS) is fitted.  Fit and use a seatbelt on tractors with ROPS.  Drive at speeds slow enough to retain control over unexpected events.  Engage the clutch gently at all times, especially when going uphill or towing.  Never mount or dismount from a moving tractor.  Ensure all guards on towed implements are in place before operating.  Never hitch above the centerline of the rear axle, around the axle housing or to the top link pin.  Never attach implements unless the PTO shaft is guarded.  Check for proper operation of brakes, steering, clutches and related equipment before operating.

Grain Harvesting Equipment Combine Safety  The combine operator is responsible not only for his safety but also for the safety of others who may be working on or just be near the machine. The operator must be aware of hazards and remain alert to situations that are potentially dangerous.  Perform pre-operational checks, that include starting, transporting, towing, operating, field repair and maintenance and stopping the combine. Before attempting to operate a combine, study the operator's manual.  Always clean the combine before starting. Trash around the exhaust system can cause fires. Oil, grease or mud on ladders or the platform can cause serious falls. If the combine is equipped with a cab, clean the glass to provide maximum visibility.  Check the tire pressure each day. Under-inflation can cause buckling of the sidewall, which can cause dangerous tire failure. Over-inflated tire have a great deal of "bounce" and cause upsets more readily that tires with correct pressure.  Make sure that all shields and covers are in place and fastened securely.  Always use the handrails and ladders provided on the combine for safe mounting and dismounting. Baling Hay  Large hay bales, some weighing up to 800 kg, have killed or seriously injured many farm workers. Bales, both round and rectangular, can fall on tractor and forklift operators, topple off stacks and vehicles on workers or bystanders, and collapse when stacks fail.  Clean the baling equipment to prevent build-up of loose, combustible material in the baler.  Disengage PTO and apply fly wheel brake prior to making baler adjustments.  Exercise extreme caution when transporting bales and make sure the equipment is not overloaded.  Ensure loads are adequately secured.

Tillage Equipment  An operator must have an understanding of the function, operation and limitations of the equipment he/she is operating.  Make sure you have received training the specific equipment you will be using.

All-Terrain Vehicles  Most ATV injuries result from lack of training and experience, speed, uneven or unfamiliar terrain, humps, logs, rocks, embankments, carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load, inadequate protective clothing and unsafe driving. Whenever employees operate this equipment, they must exercise extreme caution.  Long sleeves and pants, sturdy boots and gloves all provide protection if you come off the vehicle.  Eye protection prevents serious eye injuries from bugs, branches or stones.  Check brakes and tires regularly.