Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/13901
Harvest-Time Tips Advice on avoiding fatigue There are a number of factors that determine the length of farm workday— weather, soil conditions, livestock, equipment—and the grower may be working against any or all of them when timely planting and/or harvesting is on the line. So it’s not surprising that growers will brush fatigue aside to get the job done. But that’s when injuries can sneak in, says Kent McGuire, an Ohio State Univer- sity Extension ag safety educator and Ohio AgrAbility Program coordinator. “Non-stop activity, long work hours and stress can increase chances of fatigue and injuries, and as your level of fatigue increases, regard for caution and personal safety take a backseat, and that leads to unsafe practices,” said McGuire. “Fatigue can cause slower reaction times, reduced concentration or even falling asleep on the job and can lead to injuries.” Injuries can include equipment pinches, entanglement, burns, tractor rollovers and other equipment-related incidents. McGuire offers the following tips to avoid risk of fatigue: 1) Get plenty of sleep. 2) Avoid thinking about work once you have finished for the day. Engage in an activity that will get your mind off the tasks ahead. 3) Pace yourself and plan your activities. 4) Eat healthy and maintain a normal eat- Sugarbeet Harvester Pre-Field Checklist Harvester and Defoliator Hitch & PTO m Bolts are tight mPivot pins tight/keys in place mCracked welds or bent metal mPTO—U-joints/no play mGreased Row Finder mMounts are tight / inspect all welds mArms straight, even and move freely m“T” shaft straight and moves freely mArms centered over the row mHyd. & Electronics Working properly mGreased Lifter Wheels & Struts mWheels worn (less than 1˝) mWheels bent, cracked or casting flaws mRow spacing (using 22,44,66….) mStrut bolts—Tight mStrut & Scraper inspected for cracks or wear mRock package adjusted to specifications mBearings, Seals, and Tightness mPinch points (1-1/2” to 2”) mCheck Pinch point angle (all the same) mMud scrapers adjusted to proper location mGreased ing schedule. 5) Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can cause fatigue. 6) Take short breaks throughout the day. 7) Get some exercise after sitting over long periods of time. Stretching or even a short walk will get your body moving and re-energized. 8) To reduce stress, take a minute to watch wildlife or enjoy nature to help take your mind off of work. 9) Take advantage of a rainy day to rest and re-energize. McGuire said that the risk is greatest for growers and farm workers who have a dis- ability or limitation. “They can fatigue very quickly and hurt themselves, causing secondary injuries, such as back or joint pain,” said McGuire. Editor’s note: This staff report is from Ohio State University. Paddle Shaft mShaft Straight & Welds inspected mBearings good & lock collar tight mDrive chain, gears & slip clutch inspected mPaddles Timed mPaddle wear & Wheel clearance correct mDrive Chains oiled & Bearings greased Apron Shaft & Chain mShaft Straight & Welds inspected mDrive chain, gears & slip clutch inspected mBearings good & lock collar tight mApron Chain Tension (worn 30–50%=replace) mApron Chain Drive sprockets worn (flip?) mApron to wheel clearance (1.5˝–3˝) mApron Chain to Grabroll clearance (0.5” ) mDrive Chains oiled & Bearings greased Grabrolls mInspect bearings (loose or worn) mScrolling in good shape (over 50%) mSmooth & Grab tubes (straight/no wear areas) mPlastic—chunks missing or worn through mCheck Lock collars, tapered hubs & shafts mTighten all bolts mInspect drive belts / chains & alignment mGrab spacing—Pinch side (1-2” tube to tube) mDrive Chains oiled & Bearings greased Scrub Chain and Tower mInspect Tower for cracks, wear points and loose bolts mIdler Wheels—check bearings, wear and tightness mIdler Rollers—check bearings, wear and tightness mScrub Chain worn (over 30–50% wear) mScrub Chain Drive sprockets worn (flip/replace) mTension arms adj.—wheel have 3/4˝–1˝ clearance mScrub Chain to Grabroll clearance (0.5˝) mHead shaft—bearings, sprockets and drive chain mRun and inspect Scrub chains alignment mDrive Chains oiled & Bearings greased Wheel and Carrier mInspect Wheel for wear, cracks (welds) & loose bolts mInspect Wheel carrier for cracks & loose bolts mWheel carriers—worn/check bearings mDrive chain, gear & bearings inspected mShoe—worn or bent (running centered) mKnock outs inspected mWheel Cleaner inspected mDrive Chains oiled & Bearings greased www.SugarProducer.com 21