5. Electrocutions. The No. 1 cause of electrocution on the farm is an auger that hits a power line when being moved, says Aherin. Combines and other equipment loaded onto trailers can also hit power lines and can cause electrocutions, as can raising the bed of a truck to unload, he adds. Avoid using aluminum ladders when working around power lines for the same reason.

Using an electrical power washer in an old building that isn’t grounded properly is the second-most common cause of an on-farm electrocution, says Aherin. “To be grounded properly, you need a ground fault circuit interrupter in the main power box in the outlet itself,” he says. “A second option is to buy a heavy-duty extension cord that comes with a ground fault circuit interrupter.”

6. Anhydrous ammonia accidents. “Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most dangerous products that we commonly use on the farm, and farmers need to be prepared for the risks of a hose breaking or valves coming open,” says Aherin. “A direct blast of anhydrous ammonia in the face can kill, or at minimum destroy lung and eye tissue. Farmers should always wear a full face mask when hooking up the lines to protect their nose, mouth, eyes and lungs.”

In addition, farmers should carry 5-10 gal. of water in their tractor and on the nurse tank to apply to skin and eyes quickly if an anhydrous accident occurs.

Most deaths and severe accidents on the farm occur when people are alone. So, Aherin advises having someone check in on you every half-hour or hour, either by phone or visually. Carrying a cell phone is another good safety practice that could help emergency crews locate you after an accident, he adds.

Farmers should also make sure they get enough rest and take frequent breaks during harvest to decrease the amount of mental mistakes that can lead to accidents and injury.  “Sleep deprivation can be very detrimental,” he emphasizes. “To achieve normal alertness levels, most people need 7-8 hours of sleep. Likewise, to maintain or recharge alertness levels, workers need to take a 10-15 minute break and get some nourishment every 2-3 hours.”

To read more tips about farm safety, go to U of I Extension. To view the latest occupational injury report from the DOL, go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.