There are several inherent risks involved in farming. Farmers use heavy, dangerous equipment, raise livestock, and may be especially vulnerable to natural disasters. Learn how to plan for farm safety, and cover major risks to your livelihood with farm insurance.
Identify Farm Hazards
Making a list of your farm buildings and equipment can help you to establish what may be hazardous, or of concern. Include on your list the following:
• Farmhouse and buildings: This also includes hen houses, hog pens, barns, watersheds, and storage buildings.
• Gates and fences.
• Farm equipment: Tractors and attachments, combines, harvesters, and planters.
• Transportation vehicles: Trucks, cars, trailers, and haulers.
• Underground and overhead power lines.
• Ponds, canals, dams, ditches, wells, septic systems, tracks, and access roads.
• Known flood plains.
Consider each item listed to determine if it represents a hazard which may need to be attended to. For example, do your workers know what to do in the event of an accident with a harvester or other equipment? Is your barn safe, without the risk of falling sacks of feed or hay bales? Are your farm vehicles well-maintained?
Evaluate each item that might present a risk. Also, find a workable solution to resolve the risk, whether it is a safety training course for workers or repairing faulty equipment. By reviewing your risks on a consistent basis, you can help to keep hazards and potential accidents in check. If the worst does happen, having appropriate farm coverage in place may provide financial protection for your business.
*