The biggest issue with accidents involving silage pits is the chance of trips and falls from heights. All new pit walls have handrails fitted to them. This reduces the risk of falling off the pit.
Care should still be taken at all times when you have to be on top of the grass. Covering the pit is the most dangerous time, as there is a mix of people and machines on the pit at the same time.
If possible, a method of covering the pit should be utilised that does not require manual labour and, where mechanised systems are used, care should be taken to keep clear of any machinery being used.
At the pit
As trailers are entering and exiting the yard and pit area, great care should be taken by the driver of the tractor to check for any people or obstructions which may cause injury or damage.
Once at the pit and in position to tip the load, the area should be assessed, including checking for any incline or slippy surface which may cause the trailer to react in a dangerous manner by either sliding or overturning when in a raised position.
All areas, including above the trailer, should be checked for any overhead wires which may be in the striking zone of the trailer.
Once the load is tipped, care should be taken to allow the trailer to drop fully before getting back up to speed.
Machine
The machine on the pit should be suitable, with roll-over protection and seatbelts and be set up correctly for jobs at hand. Four-wheel-drive and dual wheels will give added stability.
The operator should be qualified and competent before being allowed to work on the pit. Angles of 45° or less should be used on all sides of the pit, as industrial loaders put enormous pressure on silage pit walls, especially with wet grass. These should be checked in advance for soundness.
Sighting rails should be fitted to walls, as these indicate the location of the wall for the loader driver. Grass should not be heaped to a dangerous level in the pit.
People
Special attention should be paid to younger and older people when they are in the area of work. If possible, anybody not involved with the work should stay away.
If a person of any age is entering the work area they should inform all of the machine operators that they are present. Crushing and overrunning accidents can easily occur when unannounced people enter a busy silage pit area.
Hi-vis clothing and correct personal protective equipment should be worn by anyone who is in or close to the area. Care should be taken at all times at this busy and dangerous time of year.
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