<h2>5 Farm Safety Tips for Field Workers</h2>
<p>It’s critical to practice <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/farm-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">farm safety</a> in the field. That said, it’s also important for each organization to tailor their safety program to their specific needs. To help you out, below are five different farm safety tips that are a huge help to organizations building a safety program:</p>
<h3>1. Conduct Safety Training Regularly</h3>
<p>The first step in a comprehensive safety program is teaching all your workers how to perform tasks and accomplish goals in the safest ways possible. To do this, the organization must conduct regular safety training courses that cover all the important aspects of safety training. That way, all workers are informed of safety protocols, best practices, and appropriate PPE that they must wear in the field.<br />
[sc_cta title=&#8221;Improve your EHS Management&#8221; body=&#8221;Cultivate a safe working environment and streamline compliance with our EHS solutions.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Explore now&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://safetyculture.com/health-and-safety/&#8221;]</p>
<h3>2. Maintain Farm Equipment</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/farm-maintenance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Farm maintenance</a> and safety go hand in hand. Maintaining equipment and ensuring that everything works properly and safely is vital in establishing a culture of safety on the farm. This is why organizations are encouraged to regularly inspect their farming and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/agricultural-machinery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">agricultural machinery</a>.</p>
<p>Faulty and outdated equipment are major risks to worker safety. This is because these machines are more likely to fail when employees use them, which can result in costly and dangerous incidents in the field. This is especially true when dealing with heavier equipment such as tractors and plowing machines.</p>
<h3>3. Handle Chemicals and Hazardous Products with Extra Care</h3>
<p>It’s common for employees to handle various hazardous chemicals and products during farming activities. This is because part of the agricultural process involves giving certain chemicals to the plants and produce to shoo away bugs and other pests. While these pesticides and chemicals are effective at keeping pests at bay, they can be dangerous for humans.</p>
<p>This is why you must train all employees in properly handling chemical products. No employee should utilize these products without understanding the best practices to keep themselves safe. So, aside from training your employees, you must also make sure that only authorized and trained personnel handle chemicals and other hazardous products.</p>
<h3>4. Perform Fire and Emergency Safety Briefings</h3>
<p>You never know when an emergency may occur in your workplace. Emergencies can be unavoidable, regardless of the controls and safety procedures you have in place. However, what’s critical is that all your employees are trained in what to do in the event of emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters.</p>
<p>To do this, you need to give them regular briefings on what to do in the event of an emergency. While these may sound like a drag for some employees, reminding them of emergency protocols on a regular basis will prove to be invaluable during an emergency as it ensures that all employees know exactly what to do during an emergency.</p>
<h3>5. Invest in Alert Systems</h3>
<p>Lastly, it’s best to install alert systems so that employees will be notified whenever there’s an emergency that they need to respond to. This could be in the form of massive alarms that can be heard throughout the farm or simple farm safety and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/farm-equipment-maintenance-software/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maintenance platforms</a> that can send notifications to your employee’s phones.</p>
<p>Understanding when there’s an emergency or incident is crucial for smooth and safe operations. So, make sure that your farm has an efficient and functional alert system in place so that your employees always stay on top of their personal safety.</p>


5 Farm Safety Tips to Protect Yourself in the Field

Agriculture Safety

Safety

Farm Safety Tips

<h2>What are the 10 Most Common Farm Hazards?</h2>
<p>According to the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/agricultural-operations/hazards">US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)</a>, some of the most common farm hazards are the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Animal bites and excretions that can cause sicknesses and injuries</li>
<li>Respiratory problems from grain bins, chemicals, and weather changes</li>
<li>Physical harm from farm equipment breakages and misuse </li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/heat-illness/">Heat-related illnesses</a> from harsh hot weather</li>
<li>Falls from high places and trips over stray equipment and plants</li>
<li>Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive strenuous movement</li>
<li>Extensive unprotected exposure to harsh chemicals such as pesticides</li>
<li>General health problems from overwork </li>
<li>Vehicular accidents that can lead to injuries</li>
<li>Hearing loss from loud equipment</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to Avoid and Address Farm Hazards</h2>
<p>It is important to address farm hazards as soon as they are spotted. The farming industry is one of the most hazardous industries in the world as it involves many strenuous activities, heavy equipment, and hours under harsh conditions. In the US, there are at least 23.4 deaths per 100,000 farm workers yearly as of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/feature/FarmSafety2021.html">2018</a>, with at least <a href="https://www.osha.gov/etools/youth-agriculture">2 million youth</a> exposed to farm hazards yearly. </p>
<p>These statistics are reflected around the world with varying degrees, such as in <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/farm-safety-risks-and-hazards">Australia </a>where, in 2021, agriculture was deemed as the highest-risk occupation in the country with eight times the fatality rate compared to other industries. An average of 79 farmers die yearly, with a majority of them getting life-threatening injuries from vehicle and machine use. </p>
<p>Different farms will have different hazards to consider and ways to address them. Some ways to keep your farm safe include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Follow the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hierarchy-of-controls/">hierarchy of controls</a> in identifying, mitigating, and addressing risks</li>
<li>Perform regular risk assessments and safety audits of your farm and your items</li>
<li>Keep children away from hazardous items on the field</li>
<li>Keep necessary <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/agricultural-machinery/">agricultural equipment and machinery </a>in good working order</li>
<li>Promote good hygiene practices at all times</li>
<li>Regularly keep pathways and fields clear of tripping and flammable hazards</li>
<li>Train employees on the proper safety procedures and how to deal with farm hazards </li>
<li>Stay updated on weather changes and work around them accordingly</li>
<li>Create and follow safety protocols for different situations</li>
<li>Record injuries, equipment issues, and risks in one place to better analyze them for the future</li>
</ul>


Introduction to Farm Hazards

Farm Hazards

<p>Natural gas burns much cleaner than other fossil fuels like crude oil and petroleum products. It also produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases for every unit of energy produced. And since the Earth is abundant with natural gas, many people are looking at this natural resource as the future of energy.</p>
<h2>Benefits of Natural Gas</h2>
<p>There are many benefits to natural gas, which is why many industries and governments are paying close attention to it. This is a very versatile fuel source that emits less pollution than other fossil fuels and is also much more abundant. Here are some other key benefits of using natural gas:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Clean Burning</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Natural gas burns much cleaner than other fossil fuels, such as petroleum. This makes it a much more efficient energy source for heating and generating power.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Abundance</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>There are massive reserves of natural gas worldwide, making it the most abundant fossil fuel available. While it isn’t a source of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a>, we currently have huge reserves of it, making it a better option than other depleting fossil fuels.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Versatility</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>There are many ways to use natural gas. Currently, this fuel is used for power generation, heating, cooking, and transportation.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Lower Greenhouse Emissions</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>A major concern when using fossil fuels is the massive amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that come from burning them. However, natural gas produces much lower GHG emissions, which is why it’s a very promising energy source.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<h3>Stability</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Unlike other fuel sources, natural gas isn’t subject to volatile market prices, so it’s much more reliable.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Transform the Way You Produce and Use Natural Gas with SafetyCulture&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas</h2>
<p>While natural gas offers many benefits and looks like a great energy source for the future, there are some major concerns about its environmental impact. Remember, natural gas is non-renewable, and even if it produces much fewer emissions than other fossil fuels, it isn’t a 100% clean fuel.</p>
<p>Natural gas is mostly made of methane which is much more potent than carbon. This poses a major risk as this gas can leak out and pollute the air during transportation, production, and processing. So, it’s very important for industries to figure out a solution for these potential emissions before fully adopting natural gas as an energy source.</p>
<p>Additionally, natural gas can also pollute the water. During extraction, many industries use fracking to extract natural gas from the ground. While this releases a lot of natural gas from the rocks, it requires the injection of water, sand, and other chemicals deep into the ground, which contaminates water sources.</p>
<p>This is why natural gas is largely seen as a fuel source that we can use while transitioning to renewable energy. But further down the line, it would be best for us to completely stop using fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric.</p>
<h2>How It’s Produced</h2>
<p>Natural gas is trapped deep underground. To access the natural gas, teams drill into the ground to release the gases and capture them. From there, the gases are transported to processing plants through pipelines. At the processing plant, different processes are used to remove water, sand, dirt, and any other impurities from the natural gas.</p>
<p>After the processing, the natural gas can be stored in tanks and used for heating and power generation.</p>
<p>That said, one of the most common extraction methods for natural gas is <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/fracking/">fracking</a>. This involves injecting water and other compounds deep into the ground to break apart rock formations and release the gas trapped inside. This can contaminate water sources and have a major impact on the environment. This is also why fracking isn’t the recommended extraction method for natural gas.</p>
<p>There have been recent developments in the world of “<a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/140319-5-technologies-for-greener-fracking">green fracking</a>,” which promises to be a less harmful alternative to traditional fracking. However, further research is required before we can adopt green fracking processes throughout the industry.</p>
<h2>Natural Gas vs. Other Energy Sources</h2>
<p>To understand whether or not natural gas is the right energy source for the future, it’s best to compare it with other common fuel sources. Here’s how natural gas stacks up when compared to coal, oil, and renewable energy sources.</p>
<h3>Natural Gas vs. Oil</h3>
<p>Natural gas, while still a fossil fuel, burns much cleaner and more efficiently than petroleum, which is the most common fossil fuel we use for power generation right now. It also generates significantly fewer carbon emissions than oil for every unit of energy produced.</p>
<h3>Natural Gas vs. Coal</h3>
<p>Just like with oil, natural gas produces far fewer carbon emissions for every unit of energy it produces compared to coal.</p>
<h3>Natural Gas vs. Renewable Energy Sources</h3>
<p>When it comes to environmental impact, nothing can beat renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources produce zero carbon emissions and are much better in the long term. However, the technology behind renewable energy needs to develop a bit more before it can fully take over fossil fuels.</p>


What are the Types of Natural Gas?

Is LPG a Natural Gas?

What is Natural Gas Used For?

How Can You Reduce the Environmental Impact of Natural Gas?

FAQs about Natural Gas

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Natural Gas

Oil and gas production manager or supervisor with digital tablet checking natural gas supply and distribution in refinery plant

Natural Gas

<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Example</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With all the new technology available at our finger tips, there are many ways farms can create smarter, more productive, and more sustainable processes. A clear example of smart farming that you can see in many farms today is the use of sensors to monitor parameters like soil quality, light levels, ambient temperature, and humidity. That way, workers know exactly what the plants would need to have the best quality and quantity during harvest without wasting or using too many resources.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another example of smart farming is the use of AI and autonomous </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/agricultural-machinery/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">machines</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to perform certain tasks. For example, many modern farms have begun using autonomous tractors that don’t require a human to control it. That way, human labor can be used for other tasks while the tractors perform their job autonomously, safely, and effectively.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many farms have also started adopting different software that utilizes IoT for even more efficient operations. Through these setups, farm managers can control various aspects of the farm through a smart device or a computer, greatly reducing the need for manual labor.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Traditional vs Smart Farming</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A great way to fully grasp the concept of smart farming and its importance is by comparing it to traditional farming methods. While farming itself was a huge innovation for humankind and allowed us to further grow as a species, traditional farming methods are slowly becoming outdated and inefficient.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, in traditional farming, much of the labor needs to be done manually. This includes planting crops, maintaining them, and harvesting them at the end of the cycle. This method involves many more resources and can result in a lot of waste, which is why the agricultural sector has a major effect on our environment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, with an IoT-powered system, farms can drastically reduce the amount of manual labor needed while increasing precision. On top of that, it gives farmers much more precise control over their crops and resources. This allows you to only your resources when needed and produce much higher-quality crops without producing that much waste.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Currently, we’re seeing a shift in traditional farming methods into more technology-driven practices. This holds a huge potential for the industry as not only does it reduce waste and the heavy environmental impact of farming, but it improves crop quality and quantity, helping farmers become more flexible to shifting demands and stay compliant to regulations concerning </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/good-agricultural-practices/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">good agricultural practices</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Implement SafetyCulture In Your Smart Farming operations&#8221;]</p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How IoT Affects the Farming Cycle</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The traditional farming cycle is quite straightforward and easy to understand. And while IoT and smart farming can affect this cycle, it doesn’t change it that much. The entire goal of IoT is to collect data and input, which is then transported over the internet to another device.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That way, any issues or problems that the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/internet-of-things/iot-devices/">IoT sensors</a> catch are reported immediately, giving the farmers a clearer window for them to act on the problems. So, under an IoT or smart system, the farming cycle will look something like this:</span></p>
<p><b>Observation &#8211;</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The process begins with sensors and other devices observing soil conditions, temperature, humidity, and other parameters. From there, it records the data that it observes.</span></p>
<p><b>Diagnosis &#8211;</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> After the data is transmitted via the internet, the IoT platform will decide the best course of action. These platforms are equipped with complex algorithms that are able to dictate the best action based on specific observations.</span></p>
<p><b>Decision</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8211; The next step is deciding which specific action to take based on the data. This could be done by a person or a machine-learning system. Alternatively, both the AI IoT platform and the user can work together to figure out if the action is necessary and which specific action to take.</span></p>
<p><b>Action </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8211; Once the decision has been made, the next step is to actually perform the said actions. Again, this could be done by a team of robots, autonomous machines, humans, or a mix of all three.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Different IoT Smart Farming Solutions</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some of the different farming solutions present in a Smart Farming system. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Agricultural Drones</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Agricultural drones have made major steps in recent years. To start, drone technology has become much more accessible, practical, and effective. So, farmers can now use agricultural drones for getting a bird’s eye view of an area and get a visual on a specific location quickly. These drones allow farmers and teams to work quickly and more efficiently, which has a huge impact on the entire agricultural process.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Modern drones may also be used to gather temperature, humidity, atmosphere, and even soil data. And again, smart farms rely heavily on large and accurate data sets to come up with the best course of action.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Precision Agriculture</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Precision agriculture or precision farming is another area of smart farming. This type of system relies on large data sets that can be used to determine which crops to plant, how to plant them, and how to do so in the most efficient manner. This can allow for a much more sustainable farming system that will have a smaller impact on the environment.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Automations</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Automations are another way that smart farms are growing worldwide. A clear example of this is the use of sensors in gathering soil, temperature, humidity, and atmosphere data. These sensors can transmit data over the internet so you get a real-time view of the conditions of a farm and be notified if </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/monitoring/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">urgent action</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is needed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This allows managers to make more accurate and informed decisions over how much fertilizer to use, what type of nutrients the plants need, and more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another way automation is used is in autonomous machines. These machines can be programmed to perform specific tasks at different times such as watering, fertilizing, or even planting crops. This reduces human labor as well as the necessary resources for planting different crops.</span></p>


When was Smart Farming Introduced?

Who Created Smart Farming?

Which Countries are Using Smart Farming?

What are the Limitations of Smart Farming?

FAQs about Smart Farming

A Look at Smart Farming: Agriculture’s Future

smart farmer or agronomist, using tablet checking quality, with organic farm fresh green vegetables products

Smart Farming

<p>Tractor safety is the practice of operating a tractor in a safe manner. It involves being aware of the potential hazards while working around tractors and taking steps to avoid and prevent fatal injuries or accidents.</p>
<p>By understanding the basic principles of tractor safety, operators can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone stays safe while using this powerful machine. In addition, operators should also be aware of the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/">workplace safety</a> hazards that are specific to the type of work they are doing.</p>
<h2>Why Does Tractor Safety Matter?</h2>
<p>When it comes to operating a tractor, safety is always the top priority. According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/93-119.html">National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)</a>, tractor accidents are the leading cause of death for farmers. So, whether you&#8217;re a farmer, a rancher, or simply someone who uses a tractor for personal use, it&#8217;s important to understand the potential hazards and take steps to avoid them.</p>
<p>Tractor accidents can often be very serious and even fatal. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important to take the time to learn about tractor safety and to follow all safety precautions when operating a tractor. By doing so, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe.</p>
<h2>What are Some Common Tractor Hazards?</h2>
<p>Here are some of the common tractor hazards that often occur when working. Let’s discuss each one:</p>
<div id="attachment_149201" style="width: 710px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-149201" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-149201 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Common-Tractor-Hazards.png" alt="Common Tractor Hazards" width="700" height="400" /><p id="caption-attachment-149201" class="wp-caption-text">Common Tractor Hazards | SafetyCulture</p></div>
<h3>Equipment Failures</h3>
<p>Equipment failures can occur when parts of the tractor break or fail. This can happen due to poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear. Equipment failures can also occur if the operator is using the tractor for a task it is not designed for, such as towing a trailer that is too heavy.</p>
<h3>Weather Conditions</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/weather-disaster/">Bad weather conditions</a> can make it more difficult to operate a tractor and can increase the risk of accidents. This includes conditions such as fog, rain, snow, and ice. For example, heavy rains can result in muddy terrain and difficult visibility, which can cause serious accidents.</p>
<h3>Older Tractor</h3>
<p>Using older tractors can be dangerous because they might not have the same safety features as newer models. They also might not be as reliable and can have defects that might not be checked, causing an accident to the driver using them.</p>
<h3>Falls</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/slips-trips-and-falls/">Falls</a> can happen when a tractor hits a hole or other uneven surface, causing the operator to lose his balance and fall off the tractor. They can also occur if the operator is not properly secured in the tractor seat and ejected during a rollover or other accident.</p>
<h3>Fires</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/fire-safety-checklists/">Fires</a> can occur if the tractor&#8217;s engine overheats or the tractor&#8217;s exhaust system is not properly vented. They can also be caused by sparks from the tractor&#8217;s tires striking a flammable object. Remember to move immediately out of the vehicle if possible and get away as far as you can.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Tractor Safety Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Most Common Causes of Tractor Accidents</h2>
<p>Tractor accidents are a relatively common occurrence on farms and in other agricultural settings. While many of these accidents are minor, some can be quite serious and even put the operator’s life at risk.</p>
<p>So what are the most common causes of tractor accidents? According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), here are some of the most common causes of tractor accidents:</p>
<h3>Rollovers</h3>
<p>Rollovers occur when a tractor tips over on its side or roof. This can happen if the tractor hits a ditch or other uneven surface or goes over a steep embankment. It can also happen if the tractor is carrying a heavy load that shifts and causes the tractor to lose its balance.</p>
<h3>Runovers</h3>
<p>A runover occurs when a tractor runs over someone. This can happen if the operator is not paying attention and does not see someone in the path of the tractor. It can also happen if the tractor is backing up and the operator does not see someone behind the tractor.</p>
<h3>Collisions</h3>
<p>Tractor collisions can occur when two tractors collide with each other or when a tractor collides with a stationary object. This can happen if the operator is not paying attention and does not see the other tractor or object in time to avoid a collision.</p>
<h3>Entanglements in Moving Parts</h3>
<p>Entanglements in a tractor’s moving parts are a hazard that can occur when the tractor&#8217;s moving parts are not properly guarded or when the driver gets caught in it during operation. If the operator&#8217;s clothing or body part gets caught in the vehicle, it will cause serious injuries or even death to the person.</p>
<p>If you are a tractor operator, it is important to be aware of these common causes of accidents and to take steps to avoid them. By being safety-conscious and following all the proper safety procedures, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe.</p>
<h2>Tractor Safety Tips</h2>
<p>Working with tractors can be dangerous, so it&#8217;s important to be aware of potential risks and take steps to avoid them. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using a tractor:</p>
<ul>
<li>Always wear <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/ppe-requirements/">proper protective equipment</a> such as helmets, gloves, and <a href="https://marketplace.safetyculture.com/ppe/eye-protection/">eye protection</a> when operating a tractor.</li>
<li>Fasten your seatbelt before starting the tractor.</li>
<li>Never stand or sit on the platform of a moving tractor.</li>
<li>Do not try to repair a tractor while it is running.</li>
<li>Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts.</li>
<li>Be careful when attaching or detaching implements.</li>
<li>Do not overload the tractor or its implements.</li>
<li>Do not drive the tractor over unstable ground.</li>
<li>Avoid driving during bad weather conditions, as it can cause serious accidents.</li>
<li>Make sure to operate with proper lighting or in broad daylight to ensure that any obstacles can be seen properly.</li>
<li>Take needed breaks to avoid over-exhaustion when driving tractors, especially during<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/heat-illness/"> hot temperatures</a>.</li>
<li>Use <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/50-safety-messages-of-the-day/">safety messages</a> and proper warning signs for workers.</li>
</ul>
<p>By following these safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and injuries while working with tractors.</p>


What is the most common tractor accident?

What is the most common injury around tractors?

Who is prone to tractor accidents?

What is a tractor safety checklist?

FAQs for Tractor Safety

Tractor Safety: Tips For Avoiding Accidents

Tractor Safety

<h2><strong><a id="The-Importance-of-Good-Agricultural-Practices"></a>The Importance of Good Agricultural Practices</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Good Agricultural Practices is important because it reinforces responsible farming methods from site selection and land preparation to harvesting and handling. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (</span><a href="https://www.fao.org/3/i1645e/i1645e00.pdf" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">FAO</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), GAP applies available knowledge to address environmental, economic, and social sustainability for on-farm production and post-production processes, resulting in safe and healthy agricultural products. Implementing Good Agricultural Practices can improve the livelihood of producers and the local economy as a whole, contributing to fulfill national development objectives or </span><a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/meet-the-sustainable-development-goals/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sustainable development goals</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-126450" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Good-Agricultural-Practices.jpg" alt="Agricultural production " width="500" height="375" /></p>
<h2><strong><a id="What-are-the-4-Pillars-of-Good-Agricultural-Practices"></a>What are the 4 Pillars of Good Agricultural Practices?</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 4 pillars of Good Agricultural Practices are the core principles used for the effective promotion and adoption of GAP. By following these pillars, farmers can build their reputations as providers of affordable yet high-quality goods and keep up with competitive export markets. As described by </span><a href="https://www.fao.org/3/y8704e/y8704e.htm" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">FAO</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the 4 GAP pillars are economic viability, environmental stability, social acceptability, and food safety and quality:</span></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-126444" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/4-Pillars-of-Good-Agricultural-Practices-GAP.png" alt="4 Pillars of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)" width="700" height="400" /></p>
<h3><strong>GAP Pillar 1: Economic Viability</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">maintain viable farming enterprises and contribute to sustainable livelihoods. Generally, it refers to the profit earned from management of productive land. Demonstrate this pillar by providing</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> sufficient evidence on the viability of farm operations such as </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/management-audit/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">management reviews</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, annual reports, and financial plans.</span></p>
<h3><strong>GAP Pillar 2: Environmental Stability</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means to sustain and enhance the natural resource base. The </span><a href="https://www.fao.org/3/i6677e/i6677e.pdf" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">most recent</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Good Agricultural Practices manual outlines critical requirements such as assessing the </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/environmental-risk-assessment/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">risk of causing environmental harm</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on and off new sites, keeping </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/hazard-identification/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">records of the hazards assessed</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/safety-data-sheet/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">detailing the chemicals used</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to sterilize soils and substrates. Moreover, the GAP manual indicates major requirements for environmental management such as:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Highly degraded areas shall be managed to avoid further degradation.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The production practices selected shall be suitable for the soil type and not increase the risk of environmental degradation.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The application of fertilizers and soil additives shall be recorded detailing the name of the fertilizer or soil additive, location, date, rate and method of application, and the operator’s name.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A water management plan to optimize water usage and reduce waste shall be made available.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chemicals used for crop protection shall be selected so as to minimize the negative effect on the environment and antagonist organisms of </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/pest-control/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">pests</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and diseases.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/site-waste-management-plan/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">waste management procedure</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> shall be documented and followed using practices to minimize waste generation, to reuse, recycle waste and dispose of waste, including identification of waste products generated during production, harvesting and handling produce.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/energy-audit/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">use of electricity</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and fuel shall be reviewed to ensure that efficient operation practices are implemented.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The production plan shall comply with national regulations covering protected plant and animal species and to preserve native plant and animal species, including native vegetation areas, wildlife corridors and vegetation areas on or near the banks of waterways.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If an offensive odor, or smoke, dust or </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/noise-risk-assessment/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">noise</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is generated from production practices, management action shall be taken to minimize the impact on neighboring property and surrounding areas.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Farmers and workers shall be <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">trained</a> to have appropriate knowledge in their areas of responsibility related to GAP and </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/training-evaluation/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">training records shall be kept</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Records of GAP shall be kept for two years or more in accordance with statutory requirements, if any, or business requirements.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A review shall be carried out at least once a year to identify any new and emerging hazards resulting from inputs, processes, or hazards affecting the environment.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>GAP Pillar 3: Social Acceptability</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means to meet the cultural and social demands of society. An essential way of practicing this principle is to protect the agricultural workers’ health from hazards brought on by the improper use of <a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/chemical-storage-and-handling/">chemicals</a> and pesticides. They should also be </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">trained</a> on the appropriate knowledge</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and skills for correct handling and application of hazardous materials.</span></p>
<h3><strong><a id="GAP-Pillars-Food-Safety-and-Produce-Quality-Elements"></a>GAP Pillar 4: Food Safety and Quality</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This means to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">economically and efficiently produce sufficient, safe and nutritious food. Control should begin in the field to </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/agriculture-inspection/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">reduce the hazards of contamination</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. To take action on this commitment, evaluate the following elements of food safety and produce quality modules of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">GAP </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">for fruits and vegetables:</span></p>
<div id="attachment_126435" style="width: 510px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/gap-audit-checklist" rel="noopener"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126435" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 wp-image-126435 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/GAP-Elements-of-Food-Safety-and-Produce-Quality.png" alt="GAP - Elements of Food Safety and Produce Quality" width="500" height="950" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-126435" class="wp-caption-text">Good Agricultural Practices: Elements of Food Safety and Produce Quality <span style="font-weight: 400;"> |</span> <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/i6677e/i6677e.pdf" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Information Source</span></i></a></p></div>
<h2><strong><a id="Good-Agricultural-Practices-Examples"></a>Good Agricultural Practices Examples</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When properly performed, GAP can help farm operators stay on top of daily job tasks and have confidence in the integrity of their procedures. While some producers usually associate Good Agricultural Practices with the cultivation of plants, the holistic approach is also often applied in the rearing of livestock. Here are general examples of how GAP can work in different contexts:</span></p>
<p><strong>GAP Example 1:</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">For growing crops, it involves utilizing appropriate amounts of fertilizer at optimal moments during a crop cycle (e.g., growth, production, and maturation stages), </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/organic-system-plan/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">applying compost or manure</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to maintain the organic content of the soil, and reducing soil erosion by installing hedges or digging ditches.</span></p>
<p><strong>GAP Example 2:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> For raising animals, it includes minimizing the usage of non-therapeutic antibodies or hormones, avoiding feeding livestock with animal by-products (such as processed animal protein), and making sure that farms adequately </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/equipment-maintenance-log/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">clean equipment and machinery</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to prevent the spread of disease.</span></p>
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<h2><strong><a id="What-is-Good-Agricultural-Practices-Certification"></a>What is Good Agricultural Practices Certification?</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Good Agricultural Practices certification is a process done by an independent certifying body to guarantee that production processes or products of farms meet GAP standards. GAP certification is voluntary, but it is frequently required by buyers such as produce distributors and supermarkets. The USDA Good Agricultural Practices certification is the most basic GAP program administered by the agency. To  receive certification, farmers should pass the USDA </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/gap-audit/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">GAP audit</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> which verifies their compliance with Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices (GHP) as recommended in the </span><a href="https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-guide-minimize-microbial-food-safety-hazards-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">USFDA guide</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on minimizing microbial food safety hazards for fresh fruits and vegetables.</span><br />
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<h2><strong><a id="Preparing-for-GAP-Certification-Using-Free-Tools"></a>Preparing for GAP Certification Using Free Tools</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food safety hazards may occur at different stages of the food chain, so it’s important to address them, starting from the farm level. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/" rel="noopener">SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)</a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can help farmers establish </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Good Agricultural Practices, empower workers to sustain them, and prepare for GAP certification. </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">SafetyCulture</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is an auditing and reporting tool designed to make it easier for producers to gain visibility across farming operations, identify flaws in existing processes, and demonstrate adherence to GAP. Here’s an overview how:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Auditing:</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">See </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Good Agricultural Practices come to life in farms by regularly going through </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/gap-audit/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">GAP/GHP audit verification checklists</span></a> and<a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/global-gap-checklist/"> GlobalG.A.P. templates</a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. These tools are easy to use on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and iPads. Available without internet connection, producers can start and complete audits from wherever they are. They can also assign actions with </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/actions/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">priority levels and due dates</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to address issues or follow-up on concerns.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Reporting:</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Records play an essential part in preparing for GAP certification—good thing that every audit done on SafetyCulture is instantly made into a </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/generate-report/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">shareable, professional report</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Automatically filed in secure online storage for easier record-keeping, completed reports can also be downloaded as PDFs and sent to specific people via email. Farmers can add up to 10 workers or team members using a </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/pricing/" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">free SafetyCulture account</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></li>
</ul>


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