It’s that time of year again.
Alberta’s soon to be a buzz with hay bines and baling equipment.
A hay baler at work in central Alberta. (Photo/YouTube)
According to a news release from Alberta Agriculture & Forestry (AF), many producers equate baling hay with hot summer days and a rush to beat the weather.
But, according to AF’s Farm Safety Awareness Coordinator Kenda Lubeck, doing the job safely should remain top of mind.
“To increase the safety of baling procedures while ensuring the job gets done, look for hazards related to baler operation, handling, transporting and stacking,” Lubeck said in the news release. “Once you identify the hazards, make the necessary changes to ensure the safety of all workers.”
In terms of handling, no children should be playing near any hay balers, carriers, or stackers. As well, all operators need to be properly trained to handle tractors, front-end loaders or forklifts. As well, ensure all bale-loading attachments on tractors and forklifts are secure and well-fittted, and always carry bales as low to the ground as possible.
Kenda Lubeck (Photo/CASA – YouTube)
In terms of operating a baler, always ensure the baler is properly connected to the tractor, ensure there are adequate safety guards, don’t let anyone ride on the baler, watch for and clear any build-up of loose, combustible material on the baler, and ensure a fire extinguisher is fitted to the machine.
In terms of stacking, bales should be stacked on even ground and be clear of overhead power lines. As well, you should watch for damaged bales at the stacks base, they should be stacked tightly and at a stable height, and not any higher than safe operating height of a farm tractor or forklift.
And for transportation, carry heavy loads with a sturdy trailer, ensure proper restraining frames on the back and front of trailer; use fitted hoods so ropes can secure a load, and watch for overhead power lines on or near roads. As well, avoid rough terrain that can cause bales to become unstable.
Lubeck further says that after identifying any hazards, assess how likely someone could be injured, and how severely.
“You’d then take the list of hay baling and stacking hazards and number them in order of priority,” she said. “That way, those most likely to cause injury or harm can be addressed first.”
– Posted by BET
