Valuing Safety on the Farm, Work Sites and Beyond

At Butler Machinery Company, we want to emphasize the importance of safety in every aspect of your operation. Safety must be your constant focus, guiding your actions and priorities throughout your day, whether you’re in the field, shop, job site, or anywhere else. Farming and construction are demanding professions, and taking proactive steps to prevent accidents are crucial for the well-being of you, your family and your team.

Butler S.A.F.E. – A Framework for Safety:

At Butler Machinery Company, we promote the Butler S.A.F.E framework to help you approach tasks with a safety-first mindset:

S: Stop and Think: Before starting any task, take a moment to stop and think about the work to be performed. Consider potential hazards and what could go wrong.

A: Assess and Plan: Assess how the work can be done safely. Identify and mitigate potential hazards. Develop a plan that prioritizes safety.

F: Focus and Be Present: Maintain your focus on the task at hand. Ensure your mind is engaged in the present moment to minimize distractions.

E: Engage in the Task: Once you’re confident that the work is S.A.F.E., then begin the task with a clear and focused approach.

Essential Safety Tips:

1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is your first line of defense. Take the time to thoroughly learn about your equipment’s mechanics and understand the potential risks associated with every project.
2. Be Prepared with a First Aid Kit and Learn the Basics of First Aid and CPR: Always keep a well-stocked first aid kit readily available and equip yourself with the knowledge of basic first aid and CPR procedures. These skills can be lifesaving in emergencies.
3. Regularly Check Your Fire Extinguisher: Ensure your fire extinguisher is inspected and serviced at least twice a year.
4. Adhere to Vehicle Markings: Carefully read and follow all markings on vehicles you use or are nearby.
5. Avoid Loose Clothing and Jewelry: Prevent accidents by avoiding loose clothing and jewelry around machinery, as they can easily become entangled.
6. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about a task or need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
7. Confined Spaces – Proceed with Caution: Never enter confined spaces like grain bins or manure pits without proper training and safety equipment.
8. Regularly Assess for Hazards: Conduct regular assessments of your farm and work sites for potential hazards and take immediate steps to mitigate them. Proactive hazard identification can prevent accidents before they occur.
9. Foster a Culture of Safety: Cultivate a culture where safety is prioritized and everyone on the farm and worksite is encouraged to report potential hazards. Open communication is key to maintaining a safe environment.
10. Envision a Safe and Successful Outcome and Believe in it: Begin with the belief that your actions will be safe and successful.

We encourage you to make safety a priority. By educating ourselves, being prepared and fostering a culture of safety, we can create a safer environment for everyone.