In between the showers, farmers across the country are battling with the weather to make the most of the few opportunities they have to get some field work done. It can be a stressful time for both man and machine but still no time to skimp on safety.

When farmers do get to harvest, be it either grass or grain, there are some important things to remember.

1 Overhead wires: they’re crossing fields all over Ireland, with some lower than others. If you’re unloading from the combine, gathering straw bales or making silage be conscious of what is overhead. Machinery is getting larger and higher and these wires are getting closer all the time – which means they’re coming closer to you.

When tying down loads with ropes or straps, just look up first before you do throw that rope or tie-down strap over. Entangling a rope or strap in an overhead wire could be fatal. Before you start to load the bale trailer, pick a spot in the field that is away from overhead wires. A couple of seconds here could save a life. Also, if you have help at this job, make sure the person on the other side is well away from the hook at the end of the strap. One of these coming at you at speed could really do damage.

2 Reversing in the field: it might sound obvious but try to avoid it. Drive around in a circle if you can to avoid reversing into the passer-by who just called in for a chat, the neighbour from up the road or a family member. Don’t forget you might have some help in the field with you that might be behind the trailer, baler or combine unknown to you. If you do leave the tractor for a while, just walk around it before you start off your work again. Also, park the tractor on flat ground or if there is no flat area in the field park across the field with the wheels turned up the hill. An out-of-control tractor and trailer careering downhill without a driver is a scary sight. Most importantly, engage the parking break and put the tractor in gear before you leave the cab.

3 Grain depots and merchants’ yards: these can be unfamiliar places for some people who may not have been there before or those who only go there at harvest time. Think about it – you hire a student or some help for the harvest and they are sent off with a load of grain into a busy, overcrowded, confined yard. The expectation is to be back as soon as possible as the combine is waiting.

There are people operating under pressure to get tractors, trucks and people through their premises as quickly as possible. Even if you have experience in this environment, pay attention. When opening the tailboard, be aware of the tonnes of grain that will come rushing out against it that could cause serious damage if you get caught behind it.

4 Balers: be it baling straw or grass, these machines are dangerous when not operated carefully. Before you start operating your baler, check that the PTO shaft is correctly attached and the cover is in safe operating condition.

Make sure all hoses and electrical cables are out of harm’s way of the linkage arms so they don’t snag and in turn damage the PTO cover.

If the machine becomes blocked, engage the drop-floor where fitted or turn off the tractor. It only takes a few seconds to restart it – a similar amount of time or less for someone to get pulled into these machines with catastrophic consequences. Again, if you must reverse in the field, check your mirrors before you back up.

5 On the road: the fragmented nature of Irish farms means driving on our roads is often necessary. A couple of small things can make you and other road users safer. Check that all your lights are working and clean. Before you leave the field, take a minute to check these. Also clean the reflective strips where fitted.

If driving on the road at night, turn off work lights or “plough lamps” to avoid dazzling other road users behind or in front of you. And remember, when safe to do so, pull over to leave off any vehicles that may be stuck behind you.