Be safe out there. Keeping the harvest crew safe is a high priority for operations when the combines start rolling out of the sheds. Simple things such as getting enough sleep or eating right can make all the difference in keeping farmers performing at the top of their game during harvest, although most producers will admit that these tasks often are difficult to accomplish in the heat of the season.

Ellen Duysen, coordinator and outreach specialist for the Center for Ag Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, gives tips for keeping everyone safe.

Top 5 safety tips

1. Roadway mindfulness

When harvesting equipment is out on the roads, it is essential to be mindful of those on the road who might not be used to large equipment sharing the road with them. Duysen says it is important to ensure your slow-moving vehicles have an SMV sign installed, and that it is bright and shiny. If not, now is a great time to replace it and check that all your lights are working correctly.

Keep your employees educated and reminded about your farm's safety protocols. "Sometimes we hire folks to work at harvest who may not work with us the rest of the year," Duysen says. "So, reminding our crews about roadway safety, such as always signaling before a turn and waiting to ensure that drivers behind you understand your intention to turn, will help prevent roadway collisions.”

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2. Correct equipment

When considering what is necessary for harvest season, a combine and grain cart might be the first to come to mind. However, keeping farmers safe with correct personal protective equipment also is just as important. This includes hearing protection, a mask for dusty environments such as when blowing out your filters, sun protection and more.

"Keep PPE in your truck with you. The No. 1 barrier to PPE usage is that it is not there when we need it," Duysen says. It can also be helpful to have emergency contacts and important phone numbers written down in the tractors and combines in case of an emergency.

3. Thoroughly check surroundings

After a long day of harvest, there is nothing more that kids and the farm dog want to do than to see their beloved farmers. With the possibility of having children and animals in the driveways, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

"Before you head out, this may mean walking the length of your truck and trailer and looking under, making sure that no one snuck under there," Duysen advises. "This is also a good time to check everything else. Check your tires, and make sure that everything that needs to be buckled up is buckled up."

Related:Are you eating right in combine cab?

4. A good night's rest

"During harvest, you will surely suffer from fatigue, which can affect your balance and judgment," Duysen says. There is no avoiding the long days during harvest season. However, one thing that farmers can control is the environment for a good night's sleep. A cool and dark place to rest, free of phones and dogs, can create an excellent environment for a good night's rest. Duysen also recommends cutting off caffeine intake in the early afternoon.

5. Grain bin safety

Farmers will work in and around bins during harvest season. Ensuring you have the correct equipment is necessary to safely enter a bin, including a harness, a lifeline, a tie-off point and a trained spotter. You must ensure the bin's energy source has been locked and tagged out anytime you work in the bin, including while cleaning.

Duysen reports that there already have been three Nebraska deaths due to grain bins this year. Keeping this in mind can ensure everyone is around for the next harvest.

The toolkit for harvest

One of the best ways to ensure that everyone on the harvest crew is ready for harvest is to check that their PPE toolkit is prepared and that they have been reminded of proper safety procedures. Make a quick checklist that includes the following:

N95 mask. In a dusty environment, it is essential to keep dust and debris out of your lungs. You can reuse your N95 mask until it becomes dirty or difficult to breathe through. The mask should be stored in a woven bag to allow drying between uses.

Hearing protection. When around loud equipment over 85 decibels, protect your hearing with ear plugs or earmuffs. Electronic and Bluetooth versions can provide additional benefits, such as taking hands-free phone calls, and can increase the volume if necessary.

Sun protection. Farmers are notorious for not wearing sunscreen. Although sunscreen still is recommended for proper protection, a good sun hat or bucket hat also can effectively keep the sun off the face and the back of the neck. 

Proper boots. Although the old boots might be broken in and the most comfortable, check out the soles. Ensure the bottoms are slip-resistant and have good tread to prevent slips and falls.

Healthy foods. Running to the gas station and grabbing a quick bite to eat can be easy. However, those foods might not provide the nutrition needed to fuel farmers' bodies. Having a good lunch and walking around while eating can be helpful. Taking time to stretch and getting out of the cab can reduce fatigue while harvesting.

Now that the toolkit for harvest season is prepped and ready, an excellent post-harvest season exercise is hosting a party in honor of harvest season being over. This celebration can be a thank you to your crew. Why not invite your local emergency medical services, paramedics and firefighters? They are a vital part of the harvest season and are always ready to come to the rescue in case of an emergency.

"Hopefully, no emergency personnel get called during the harvest season, but if they do, it is great to have a close relationship with them," Duysen says. "What better way to thank them for their work than to celebrate the end of harvest with them?"

Remember these tips as you prepare for harvest, and have a safe and healthy season.