SAFETY
Federal Laws and Regulations
This section is intended to explain in broad terms the concept and effect of federal laws and regulations concerning employer and employee equipment operators. This section is not intended as a legal interpretation of the law and should not be considered as such.
U.S. Public Law
This Act Seeks:
“...to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources...”
DUTIES
Sec. 5 (a) Each employer-
(1)shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
(2)shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
(b)Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
OSHA Training Requirements
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations Part 1928.57(a)(6). www.osha.gov
Operator instructions. At the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter, the employer shall instruct every employee who operates an agricultural tractor and implements in the safe operating practices and servicing of equipment with which they are or will be involved, and of any other practices dictated by the work environment.
Keep all guards in place when the machine is in operation; Permit no riders on equipment
Stop engine, disconnect the power source, and wait for all machine movement to stop before servicing, adjusting, cleaning or unclogging the equipment, except where the machine must be running to be properly serviced or maintained, in which case the employer shall instruct employees as to all steps and procedures which are necessary to safely service or maintain the equipment.
Make sure everyone is clear of machinery before starting the engine, engaging power, or operating the machine.
Employer Responsibilities:
To ensure employee safety during Tractor and Implement operation, it is the employer’s responsibility to:
1.Train the employee in the proper and safe operation of the Tractor and Implement.
2.Require that the employee read and fully understand the Tractor and Implement Operator’s manual.
3.Permit only qualified and properly trained employees to operate the Tractor and Implement.
4.Maintain the Tractor and Implement in a safe operational condition and maintain all shields and guards on the equipment.
5.Ensure the Tractor is equipped with a functional ROPS and seat belt and require that the employee operator securely fasten the safety belt and operate with the ROPS in the raised position at all times.
6.Forbid the employee operator to carry additional riders on the Tractor or Implement.
7.Provide the required tools to maintain the Tractor and Implement in a good safe working condition and provide the necessary support devices to secure the equipment safely while performing repairs and service.
8.Require that the employee operator stop operation if bystanders or passersby come within 300 feet.
Child Labor Under 16 Years of Age
Some regulations specify that no one under the age of 16 may operate power machinery. It is your responsibility to know what these regulations are in your own area or situation. (Refer to U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employment Standard Administration, Wage & Home Division, Child Labor Bulletin #102.)
SAFETY
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