• Do not allow children to ride on tractors
• Have roll-over protection (ROPS) on all tractors.
• Have all operators complete a tractor safety course.
• Make sure all equipment has proper working lights and slow moving vehicle signs.
• Wear seat belts when operating all vehicles, including farm machinery.
• Make sure all power take-offs, belts and augers have proper guards and shields.

• Turn off power before adjusting, servicing, or unclogging power-driven machinery.
• Make sure loads being towed are properly hitched to the drawbar and that pins and chains are in place.
• Display slow moving vehicle signs on machinery towed or driven on the highways.
• Have shields and guards in place and maintained at all times.
• Inspect and maintain all hydraulic hoses and couplings.
• Make sure tires are properly inflated.

• Read and follow manufacturer's directions for storage, handling and application of chemicals. Contact your county extension agent for additional information or training on chemical handling.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye/face shields, ear plugs, respiratory protection, and hats.

• Wear devices to protect your hearing (studies show more than 50 percent of older farmers have hearing loss)
• When entering pits in hog barns, always wear a respirator to avoid being overcome by the fumes.
• Inspect and maintain all machinery, equipment, and tools to keep them in proper working condition.
• Have first-aid kits available and develop an emergency plan.

• Maintain adequate lighting around the farm yard and in the home.
• Have singe cylinder deadbolt locks on all entrance doors to your home. Keep farm buildings locked.
• Record serial numbers of all equipment. Mark equipment and livestock to aid in the recovery should a theft occur.
• Ask neighbors to check the farm regularly when you are gone.
• Inspect and maintain fences used for livestock.

• Have an electrician verify that all electrical systems and equipment are properly grounded. This can help reduce the chance of shocks and/or production losses to livestock.
• Install corrosive-resistant wiring, fixtures, and boxes in hog and dairy barns.
• Weld in buildings only in well-ventilated areas away from flammable or combustible materials.
• Be sure grain bins have permanent ladders inside and out. Use a lifeline when entering a bin or silo and wear a protective mask.
• Do not use extension cords as permanent hookups.
• Hang brooder lamps by chains, not the electrical cords.
• Insulation in all buildings should be covered with a 15-minute fire barrier (for example, 1/2 inch rate gypsum board, and 5/8 inch plywood) to reduce the likelihood of fires.

• Maintain smoke detectors throughout your home and check them regularly to verify that batteries are in proper working condition. (Change batteries at least every 6 months.)
• Place approved fire extinguishers in your home, on large tractors or combines, and in barns, shops and machine sheds.
• Develop an evacuation plan for family members, including a meeting place.
• Have a licensed electrician periodically inspect your electrical systems. Be sure updates to your current electrical systems are performed by a qualified electrician.
• Inspect and maintain heating units before the beginning of each heating season.
• Clean fireplace/woodstove chimneys prior to the heating season-more often if you use the fireplace often.
• Install surge protection on service panels in the home and in dairy or hog barns.
• Consider installing a lightning protection system. Consult a UL or LPI (Lightning Protection Institute) approved contractor.
• Practice good maintenance of your farm or ranch. Cut weeds and grass around buildings, maintain a clean shop, and store all chemicals and flammable liquids properly.
• Don't burn trash outdoors on windy days and don't leave fires unattended.

By following these guidelines you can help make your farm a safer place for your family and employees.