Practicing Safety

For starters, give your young workers these tips. Whether they’re driving tractors, running a cash register or working in any other capacity, your young employees risk injury. While not a complete safety rulebook, these commonsense tips form a basic overview of safety on the job, and can prevent injuries from happening. Be aware of these tips yourself. Then share them with your young workers.

General safety tips for young workers. When in doubt, ASK. This is step one. Before you start any task you’re unsure about, remember that it never hurts to ask your supervisor for clarification, guidance or more instructions. If you’re still unclear, say so. Remember, this is the one part of the process that can go a long way in ensuring safety

Avoiding slips and falls

• Use proper footwear
• Take smaller steps
• Keep walking surfaces clean and clear
• Slow down
• Use the right equipment
• Wear safety equipment

Avoiding strains from lifting

• Size up the load
• Get help when needed
• Use available mechanical lifting devices
• Break down the load into smaller parts if possible
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Always bend at the knees

Avoiding cuts

• Use the right tool for the job
• Wear assigned personal protective equipment
• Keep knives and blades sharp
• Store sharp objects safely
• Never cut toward a body part

Avoiding injury from vehicle accidents

• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Wear your seatbelt
• Avoid talking on your cell phone while driving
• Slow down, never speed

Safety for agricultural work. In addition to the usual slips, falls, strains and cuts that can occur on any job, young workers on a ranch or farm face a variety of unique hazards. Handling agrichemicals, operating heavy machinery, working with animals, riding ATVs and using shop tools all require careful attention to safety and recommended operating procedures. Here are just a few tips to remember:

• Read and follow all directions when working with agrichemicals. Request specific training on handling and applying anhydrous ammonia.
• Inspect brakes, steering, tires and lights before operating heavy equipment
• Never jump off equipment or hay lofts—climb down instead
• Wear hearing protection around noisy machinery
• Always wear a helmet when riding an ATV
• Never carry a passenger on an ATV
• Never raise irrigation pipes or metal objects higher than your height