ARLINGTON, Va. – Whether it’s a farming operation, a grain elevator or seed production facility, hazards could lurk almost anywhere. As a part of its fifth annual harvest safety week (Aug. 21-25), the National Grain and Feed Association presented a series of videos on safety in the workplace, with what the organization called an emphasis on maintaining effective safety programs during the harvest season.

One of the videos focused on hazard identification methods. It was hosted by Dawn Moninger, director of environmental, safety and health for J.D. Heiskell & Co. J.D. Heiskell is a 137-year-old grain and commodity trading business that operates livestock feed manufacturing and trans-loading facilities in six states.

In her video, Moninger discussed ways to quickly and correctly identify hazards. She stressed it’s important for hazard identification team safety that members be careful when looking for dangerous areas around a farm or facility.

“When we send people out to look for hazards, we want to make sure that they don’t actually come into contact with hazards themselves,” she explained. “What good are we if we are putting our own people in danger. So it’s really important before you embark upon hazard identification that your team is really well versed in what hazards face them.”

Hazards such as falls, slips or trips are big risks for a hazard identification team, Moninger said. To help prevent falls, she recommended such measures as not climbing if you don’t feel up to it, always face a ladder when going up and down, and don’t climb on ladders or platforms that are compromised or have grease on them.

To avoid slips and trips, Moninger suggested making sure you have solid footing when taking a step, and to avoid standing on stairs to measure or take photos. You don’t want to put yourself in a compromised position just for a photo, she cautioned.

J.D. Heiskell wants its team members to “come out on the other end with some valuable findings, but most importantly, they come out on the other end safely,” Moninger said.

It’s important that you’re using the right tool for the job when identifying hazards, she noted. “It matters that you’re using the right method that’s suited for a specific situation. We don’t want to use a hammer where we could use a screwdriver or use a screwdriver when you could use a hammer.”

Moninger also talked about the importance of safety committees. Typically, she stated, when she brings up the topic of safety committees during in-person presentations, she hears a lot of moans and groans.

“But safety committees are really key in hazard identification as well,” Moninger pointed out. “I encourage you to use your safety committee to get some of your key hazard identification completed, some of your key inspections, key hazard identification walks, key job safety analysis, task hazard analysis. Use your safety committees as a platform for not just learning but actually executing your safety programs centered around hazard identification.”

For more information and additional videos, visit ngfa.org/safety.