The week of Sept.18 to 24 was National Farm Safety and Health Week, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach reminded farmers to focus their attention on potential slips and falls, which can be linked to serious injuries. Charles Schwab, ISU Extension safety specialist, said slips and falls are a major cause of injuries throughout the year, but especially common around machinery, equipment and structures during harvest.

According to Schwab, there are simple steps to follow that can help farmers avoid slips and falls:

Always consider the height from which you work.

Before climbing on farm machine or structures, scrape mud or manure off shoes.

BE CAREFUL: Ladders on grain bins can exceed 30 feet. A fall to the ground or onto other machinery can result in back injuries, serious sprains, broken bones or death. Also, look up when moving equipment, to make sure you avoid hitting electrical lines.

Keep the work platform, foot plate and steps free of debris.

Use shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles and heels.

Dismount equipment only when it has come to a complete stop.

Tops of combines are 12 to 14 feet off the ground and the operator’s platform usually 6 to 8 feet above the ground. Ladders on grain bins can exceed 30 feet. A fall to the ground or onto other machinery can result in back injuries, serious sprains, broken bones or death.

Also, watch out for unseen, often overlooked “secondary hazards”

Secondary hazards on work or walk surfaces increase the possibility of falls. “Mud, grease or loose grain can make work surfaces slippery,” Schwab said. “That’s why it’s important to keep shoes clean, and always keep those walking surfaces free of debris.”

You should use grab bars or railings when mounting and dismounting. It is important when mounting and dismounting to keep three points of contact: two hand holds and one foot, or two feet and one hand hold at all times. This three-point connection reduces the potential of a fall, Schwab points out. "Also avoid carrying items in your hands while climbing ladders or equipment steps," he adds.

Electrocutions can happen in an instant

Schwab also cautions farmers and others working on farms to look up for electrocution hazards and avoid contact with power lines. This is the time of year when oversized, tall equipment such as portable grain augers and combines are moved from place to place on the farmstead or are transported on public roads. Any time this type of equipment is moved there is a risk of contact with overhead power lines.

“It is important to treat all power lines above or those that have fallen as energized,” said Charles Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach safety specialist.

Use precautions to reduce the potential for electrocution hazards on the farm: First thing is to make sure you maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from any overhead lines.

Know where all overhead power lines are located and inform workers about their locations.

Plan routes between fields, to bins and elevators, and on public roads so that low-hanging power lines are avoided.

Lower all portable grain augers before moving, no matter how short the travel distance.

Be sure everyone on the farm knows what to do in an electrical emergency.

“If your combine or tractor connects with a power line, stay put, unless you’re in immediate danger from a fire or other hazard,” Schwab says. “If you must get off the equipment, then jump as far away from the machinery as possible and after landing, move further away by shuffling your feet.

"The goal is never to touch the earth (ground) and the equipment at the same time and that’s why you jump off the equipment,” he notes. “Shuffle your feet because long striding steps can create enough electrical potential for a shock. Never go back and touch the equipment until power to the utility line is turned off and you have been given the clearance by the electrical company.”