Sowing Sensibly: Staying Safe on Your Farm This Summer

As with any job, working safely on a farm is of the utmost importance. During the summer months, however, some extra considerations need to be taken into account, as the role shifts and changes with the season. In this article from Northern Oil, you can learn more about how to stay safe while working outdoors on a farm, from wearing a protective hat to keeping tractor oil on hand.

Keep in Touch

When working on a busy farm during a harvest, the most important thing to do is to stay in touch with each other. We would recommend carrying a mobile phone or a radio device, helping you to get assistance easily if something goes wrong. Remember to keep in contact with your colleagues and staff, letting them know where you’re going and which machines you’re taking with you. This should help to prevent any injuries caused by machines and help you get 

Sun Safety

Extended working outdoors is essential when it comes to working on a farm, but it can be dangerous in the summer months. The exposure to the sunlight can result in painful sunburns, which can peel and cause further discomfort. Those who do not protect themselves from the dangers of the sun also have a higher risk of getting skin cancer. To keep yourself safe, make sure to wear a protective hat, as well as sunscreen, which should be reapplied often and thoroughly.

Stay Hydrated

Working in heat for extended periods can do more than seriously damage your skin. Without taking regular and adequate breaks, you run the risk of experiencing heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness and nausea, as well as headaches and high temperatures. To prevent heat exhaustion, make sure to drink plenty of cold drinks and take time out of the sunlight throughout your day.

Maintain Your Machinery

Accidents can happen when working with machinery, so it’s vital to take precautions to prevent injuries. By checking over your tools and machines before using them, you reduce the chance of an unexpected accident occurring. Machines will also need to be regularly cleaned and repaired, to keep them working optimally. Keep your tractors and other vehicles equipped with plenty of tractor oil too, to prevent breakdowns while working. 

What We Do

One thing you needn’t worry about on your farm this summer is whether you’ll run out of agricultural fuels. Our team at Northern Oil are experts in tractor oil and more, keeping agricultural machines functioning fully and ensuring farmers can get the job done quickly. As a reliable fuel supplier, we can help you keep your machines going throughout the summer months.

Please visit our website to learn more about our products, or get in touch with us directly for further advice and support.