Most agricultural machinery accidents can be linked to human error. An human error is often caused by poor communications. Good, clear communication between machinery operators and helpers or other people nearby can be effective in reducing the number of these accidents.

Let’s look at the kinds of communications used in agriculture.

SYMBOLS THAT COMMUNICATE

Everywhere you look there are man-made symbols that communicate messages. Take a look at figure 1. Do you recognize all of the symbols shown? Do you know what they mean? Try to identify each one to see if you understand it. Compare your answers with those below.

Answers: (1) Compulsory way for pedestrians. (2) Dangerous curve. (3) Beware of animals. (4) No U-turns. (5) No stopping. (6) Speed limits for light and heavy motor vehicles. (7) No passing. (8) Road narrows. (9) Slippery road. (10) Compulsory minimum speed.

Safety-Alert Symbol

The safety-alert symbol shown on figure 2 was specially designed for use on agricultural equipment. It means: Attention! Become alert! Your safety is involved!

You will find this symbol on safety signs on most new agricultural machines and in operator’s manuals. It’s used to alert operators and others of potential hazards that could lead to accidents.

Signal Words

The safety-alert symbol is often used with the signal words Caution, Warning and Danger to draw attention to potentially unsafe areas. Learn these signal words and let them become your “think triggers.”

CAUTION (Be careful on some machines) is used as a general reminder to tell the operator that safety practices must be observed and identifies some of the less-serious hazards.

WARNING lets the operator know that a greater risk is involved for a specific potential hazard.

DANGER means that one of the most serious potential hazards is present. Unsafe operating techniques or bad work habits in this area could lead to serious accidents and personal injury.

Safety Signs and Their Colors

Red and white are the colors used with the word Danger. Black and yellow are found on signs carrying the words Caution, Be Careful or Warning. On some machines, safety signs are black and white.

Universal Symbols

New agricultural machinery uses universal symbols to help identify controls. These symbols should be recognized by operators all over the world. Study them, and you can learn a new universal language.

If you learn these, you will better understand machinery controls as long as they use the universal symbols for agricultural tractors and equipment. Color is often used in combination with these universal symbols to indicate operating conditions.

SMV Emblem

Another universal symbol known to both automobile drivers and agricultural people is the slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem. This emblem is attached to the rear of agricultural machinery to identify slow-moving vehicles.

Use SMV emblems on machinery that normally travels at speeds slower than 25 mph, which is generally much slower than most traffic on public roads. Keep your SMV emblem of your vehicles clean, bright and properly positioned.

Instruction Labels

Labels communicate, too. Reading a container label like a pesticide container label can give you much information that can prevent serious injury.

The chemical user who does not read the label is headed for trouble. He can permanently damage not only his health and the health of others, but he can also harm crops or livestock, and he may not get the results he expected when he bought the chemical. Take time to read the label’s instructions to prevent serious injury.