Spring Safety

We all welcome the nice weather and the opportunity to work outside and, in the fields. Consider the environment you are working in, and the potential equipment hazards. Safety always needs to be considered and is a priority in any task or operation we are involved with. We ask our employees and customers to be safe during this busy time of the year. Be sure to select and have on hand/use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Innovative Ag Services is committed to safety and everyone’s desire to send employees home safely, along with meeting regulatory requirements in the workplace. 

The weather and season change brings an increase of farm equipment and more vehicle traffic on rural roads. Learn to safely share the road with large equipment. Be mindful and look for the Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign. This is your warning to slow down and indication the vehicle is traveling at or below 35 MPH. It takes just five seconds for a car traveling 55 MPH to close a distance of 300 feet or a football length. Don’t get impatient when following slow-moving vehicles, and follow the same rules when passing other vehicles. Do not pass in a no passing zone, on a curve, bridges, or near intersections. Be aware of wide or large equipment that may be hanging over the shoulder and could have to swerve into the center to clear a mailbox or sign. At nighttime, be on the lookout for a steady or flashing single light that may be on the back of equipment or nurse tanks between sunset and sunrise as an indication of equipment traveling at or below 35 MPH. State code 321.383 has more information on SMV signs use and requirements if needed. 

With spring fieldwork comes the application of crop nutrients, chemicals, and anhydrous ammonia to support the demand of our customers. Safely handling these types of products is paramount. Improper handling or not following PPE requirements can have severe, long-lasting, tragic effects. Crop protection products can have harmful effects if precautions are not utilized and followed. Always read manufacturer labels and safety data sheets for requirements and recommendations. 

Anhydrous ammonia will always seek a source of moisture. Your eyes, face, and lungs are the most vulnerable and must be protected. Wearing a face shield, ventless goggles and neoprene gloves with a liner is the first line of defense when working with chemicals or anhydrous ammonia. A face shield and long-sleeve clothing are highly recommended as part of your PPE when working around these items to prevent splashing onto your skin or entering your airway. 

Water is your first line of defense when working around these items as water has a neutral pH base for chemicals, and water is a must around anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia will chemically burn the skin upon contact and continue for up to 15 minutes. Water for 15 minutes of exposed areas is a must, and never apply ointments. All nurse tanks have five gallons of emergency water tanks on them, and it is a good idea/recommendation for customers to carry a personal supply of water in vehicles and tractor cabs or on their person for immediate accessibility. 

Ensure caution is exercised when handling transfer chemical hoses or anhydrous hoses to prevent accidental discharge. Be certain the valves are closed and any trapped material is bled down before disconnecting. All valves on a nurse tank must be closed before transportation on the roadway to meet DOT standards. Always replace dust caps when a hose is disconnected. When towing a nurse tank, the maximum speed is 35 MPH to meet safety and DOT regulations. The potential for serious accidents increases at higher speeds, and the wagon lacks sufficient braking capacity to control it safely at higher speeds. 

Most farmworker injuries are caused by tractor incidents: with overturns, being run over, equipment attachments mishaps, and power take-off systems. Please be safe and aware of your surroundings and hazards, and exercise extra caution this time of year. Take that extra moment to inspect equipment, conduct pre-operational and road-worthy safety equipment checks of safety chains, draw bar pins/safety pins, proper lighting, and SMV signs. 

Innovative Ag Services recognizes that our customers and employees are our most valuable assets. Our customers are important end users of our services and products for continued growth and success as a company. We are firmly committed to customer service and employee safety and will do everything possible to prevent incidents. Have a safe spring!