7 Must-Know Farm Safety Tips for a Safe & Successful Harvest Season
Harvest season is in full swing across our beautiful Iowa, and that means long hours, heavy machinery, and high stakes. Amid the rush to bring in the crop, it’s easy to overlook safety... and that’s when accidents happen!
At Bank Plus, we know that successful farming isn’t just about yields; it’s also about protecting the people and assets that make your operation possible. Here are 7 essential safety tips for this harvest season, covering equipment, grain, your loved ones, and even your finances, to ensure you and your family get through it safely and successfully. Let’s jump in.
1. Keep Equipment Sharp: Daily Walkarounds Are a Must
Nothing says “harvest emergency” like a broken-down combine or tractor in the middle of a field. To avoid surprises:
- Do a daily inspection before each shift: Check belts, fluid levels, tires, lights, mirrors, and PTO guards.
- Keep detailed records — logging every inspection helps catch recurring issues before they become costly breakdowns.
- Ensure ROPS (Rollover Protective Structures) and safety shields are properly installed and functional.
- Prioritize lighting and reflective markings, especially if you’re harvesting in low light or moving equipment on roads. Mismatched or missing SMV emblems can be dangerous.
Why this matters: Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, and rushing to fix something mid-harvest is one of the quickest ways to cause an accident.
2. Grain Bin Safety Isn’t Optional—It’s Critical
Grain bins are among the most hazardous places on the farm. Prevent tragedies by following these best practices:
- Never work alone. Always use the buddy system.
- Lock out/tag out all grain-moving equipment before entering a bin to prevent accidental startup.
- Use proper PPE: harnesses, lifelines, respirators, and helmets.
- Always probe from outside before stepping on grain—bridges or crusting can make deceptively stable surfaces collapse.
- Keep grain bins clean and well-maintained when empty—sweep walls, check for leaks, inspect ladders, seal gaps, and reduce dust buildup.
Why this matters: Grain entrapment can happen in seconds and is often fatal. Taking these precautions can save lives.
3. Keep Your Family Safe: Designated Zones, Clear Rules
Harvest time is crazy busy, but young hands and wandering feet on the farm increase risk. Here’s how to keep your family safe:
- Create a clearly marked safe zone for children and visitors, away from equipment and traffic.
- Remind everyone: No riding on equipment unless a proper seat is provided.
- Make sure all family members know emergency contact protocols and what to do if someone is injured.
Why this matters: Most injuries on family farms involve people familiar with the work, like family. Clear boundaries prevent close-to-home accidents.
4. Fatigue Isn’t a Badge of Honor, It’s a Safety Risk
Harvest demands can stretch you thin. Pushing through fatigue isn’t productive, it’s dangerous.
- Schedule regular rest breaks, rotate tasks, and plan for short shifts.
- Always operate machinery while alert. If you find yourself making mistakes or feeling unfocused, stop.
- Stay hydrated, eat solid meals, and check on mental well-being. Fatigue often goes hand-in-hand with stress.
Why this matters: Tired operators are more likely to make snap decisions or overlook hazards, so protect yourself and others by resting when needed.
5. Keep the Roads Safe: Let Others Know You’re Out There
Harvest season means more farm equipment on county roads. Keep both your crew and your neighbors safe:
- Ensure lighting, reflective triangles, and SMV emblems are working and visible—especially at dawn, dusk, or on foggy mornings.
- When you’re moving equipment, choose low-traffic times and use clear signals.
- For non-farm drivers: slow down, allow extra distance, and be patient when passing.
Why this matters: Most farm-related road accidents happen due to visibility issues or hasty passing. Awareness can save lives.
6. Emergency Plans: Prepare Now, Prevent Panic Later
Accidents happen fast, but being prepared makes all the difference.
- Establish a clear emergency response plan and share it with everyone who’s on the farm.
- Post emergency numbers, first-aid kit locations, and fire extinguisher spots near equipment areas.
- Review procedures for weather-related emergencies, fire, or injury, but also know when it’s time to leave the field and call for backup.
Why this matters: Knowing what to do, and having it up where people can see it, keeps everyone safer when seconds count.
7. Protect Your Finances So You Can Bounce Back
Safety isn’t just about avoiding physical harm, protecting your operation financially matters too.
- Review your insurance coverage before harvest. Does it include equipment damage, crop loss, or liability in case of injury?
- Plan for unexpected costs—call your local Bank Plus ag specialist about an operating line of credit or emergency funds.
- Protect your money with mobile banking alerts, secure log-in tools, and fraud protection options offered by Bank Plus.
- Talk to us about October’s planning, loan refreshers, or insurance connections—part of how we help local farms stay financially safe.
Why this matters: Unplanned costs or cyber scams can compound stress during harvest. Having banking protection is peace of mind that keeps your operation moving.
Related: A Farmer’s Guide to Financing: How to Fund Your Operation
Harvest Smart, Harvest Safe with Bank Plus
When harvest season kicks into full gear, safety has to come first. That means:
- Maintaining equipment
- Handling grain safely
- Keeping family members clear of hazards
- Recognizing fatigue risks
- Traveling roadways thoughtfully
- Preparing for emergencies
- Safeguarding farm finances
At Bank Plus, we’re not just your bankers, we’re your neighbors. We make our loans, services, and advice with the same care we bring to our own families.
If you’d like help reviewing your farm’s financial safety plans, insurance options, or banking alerts, don’t hesitate to visit your local Bank Plus branch or visit bankplusiowa.com. Here’s to a safe, productive harvest season for all.