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Don’t Get Caught-In, Or Caught-Between Objects!

By Kent McGuire – OSU Ag Safety and Health Coordinator
 
SkidLoaderCalf
 
Throughout the year there are a variety of farm tasks that involve working around equipment or livestock. In some instances farmers can find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, and be in a situation to be caught-in or caught-between objects, which can lead to serious injuries.
 
Caught-in or between incidents occur for some of the following reasons:
  • Working on or around moving equipment
  • Working on equipment with stored energy (Example: Hydraulic cylinder)
  • Inadequate guarding on equipment or guards have been removed
  • Incorrect hitching practices
  • Not being visible to the equipment operator
  • Unaware of approaching danger in the work environment
  • Being pinned against equipment or solid surfaces when working livestock
Some guidelines to use to prevent caught-in or caught-between incidents should include:
  • Always shut down equipment before doing repairs or inspecting of equipment.
  • Chock the wheels on equipment that could move or roll.
  • Never work under equipment that is supported only by a jack. Use a secondary support device.
  • Use the cylinder safety locks on equipment that support hydraulic cylinders, to prevent the release of stored energy in the cylinder.
  • After servicing equipment make sure all guards are in place and properly secured
  • When hitching or unhitching equipment, stand to the side, and be clearly visible to the tractor driver.
  • Leave an escape route to prevent getting pinned between two objects.
  • Use extra caution when working around equipment that uses belts / pullies: chains / sprockets: or PTO shafts.
 
 

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