Mobile equipment makes the job easier, but forklifts, loaders, skid steers, trucks, and trailers can create serious blind spots, crush zones, and line-of-fire hazards. September’s toolbox talk covers safer backing, G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look), spotter communication, agreed hand signals, pedestrian awareness, trailer positioning, and staying clear of pinch points. A few seconds of planning can prevent a very bad day and a whole lot of paperwork. Keep people visible, separated,

Late summer means heat, harvest traffic, road crews, wildlife, trailers, and plenty of miles on rural roads. Before you head out, give your vehicle and equipment a quick safety reset. Check the spare tire, secure chains and ramps, pack extra water and snacks, upgrade that sad little first aid kit, and make sure someone knows your route. A few minutes of preparation can keep a minor problem from becoming a major emergency. Finish summer safe, prepared, and ready for the unexpe

Custom fertilizer blending may create new SDS responsibilities for ag retailers under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. Supplier SDSs for individual ingredients may not be enough when a facility produces finished blended loads. With recent citations happening and HCS 2024 deadlines coming, now is the time to review fertilizer products, blend families, SDS coverage, labels, and HazCom programs before this turns into an inspection problem.

Fourth of July weekend is made for fireworks, campfires, grilling, lake days, road trips, and a little controlled feral behavior. Before the fun kicks off, take a few minutes to plan ahead, check fire conditions, secure the trailer, wear the life jacket, keep a sober driver in charge, and keep the fireworks out of the dry grass. Safety does not ruin the weekend. It keeps the weekend from becoming an emergency room story.