This week is National Farm Safety & Health Week, taking place September 19 to 25. The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety leads the effort for the week, has been an annual promotion since 1944.

For 2010, the theme is ATVs: Work Smart. Ride Safe to highlight the safe operation of ATVs across the countryside.

With harvest in full swing across farm country, also take combine safety to the field.

Here are some tips from, Oklahoma State University.

Preharvest preparation should:

·         Begin several weeks before harvest to allow necessary Iead time to secure needed replacement parts and to efficiently prepare the combine for harvest.

·         Is a review of your operator’s manual. A quick review will help experienced operators refresh their memories about correct operating procedures and appropriate safety precautions.

·         Should also include a number of other important operations which can help detect potential safety hazards and improve combine efficiency.

·         Thoroughly clean the combine to remove any field trash, rodent nests, and oil or grease buildup.

·         Carefully check for loose or missing nuts, screws, shields, and sheet metal.

·         Inspect all belts, chains, and other drive components.

Field Preparation

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