Ag machinery safety in spotlight ahead of harvest

Motorists are being reminded to take extra care around agricultural vehicles as hay making kicks off and preparations gear up for this year’s grain harvest.

Large farm machinery will be a common sight on country roads over the coming summer period and NSW Farmers Grains Committee chair Justin Everitt said wat was critical road users played it safe when navigating around these vehicles.

“Tractors, headers, augers and more will soon be on our roads as many farmers prepare to get their grain and hay out of the paddock and on their way to Aussie families,” Mr Everitt said.

“Unpredictable overtaking or tailgating is especially dangerous around these heavy vehicles, so be ready to look out, slow down and take care on the road – and farmers will make sure they can shift out of your way as soon as it’s safe.

“While this machinery might be slow-moving, it’s important to remember that none of us want to hold up traffic on a country road, and we all want to get home safely at the end of each day.”

As the busy harvest season approached, Mr Everitt said it was also important for farmers to consider how they could keep themselves and their workforce safe this season.

“Spring is already here, and summer isn’t far away, so it’s an extremely busy time for growers, and the combination of long days, fatigue, and heavy machinery can present a range of risks that farm businesses need to be prepared for,” he said.

“Straightforward plans and processes around pre-harvest machinery maintenance, seasonal worker inductions, fatigue management and emergencies can make the world of difference when it comes to ensuring this summer’s harvest is a safe and smooth one.”