Good preparation helps minimise the impact of incidents and ensures people can respond quickly and effectively when emergencies occur. Harvest can also place significant demands on physical and mental wellbeing, making it important to look after yourself and others.

Harvest Preparedness, Emergency Response and Wellbeing

Fire Prevention

Be prepared:

  • Keep a fire extinguisher on the combine and ensure it is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions

  • If a fire in a combine is not extinguished within 20–30 seconds, move to safety and make way for the fire service

  • Have a bowser filled with water available, tractor and plough ready to create a fire break if necessary

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE must:

  • Be suitable for the task

  • Be suitable for the user

  • Be properly maintained and looked after

  • Be worn!

First Aid Readiness

  • Ensure first aid kits are fully stocked

  • Check that all contents are within their expiry dates

  • Include monthly first aid kit inspections as part of routine workplace inspections.

    All vehicles must have fully stocked first aid kits available

Wellbeing Mental Health and Fatigue

Harvest often involves long working hours and pressurised conditions that can increase stress and fatigue.

  • Be mindful of your own mental health and that of your employees, co-workers and family members.

  • Look out for one another.

  • If you are struggling, speak to someone.

  • Whether it is a trusted friend, family member, colleague or charity, reaching out is often the most important first step.

  • Assistance may also be available through your HR department.

Support Available

  • FCN Helpline: 03000 111 999

  • Email: help@fcn.org.uk

  • LRSN Helpline 0800 138 1710

  • RABI Helpline 0800 188 4444

  • YANA Rural Mental Health Support 0300 323 0400

Accidents and Emergencies

In the event of an emergency:

  • Do not put yourself at risk

  • If you choose to help, ensure it is safe to do so before approaching the casualty or situation

  • Raise the alarm by calling 999 or 112

  • Summon immediate and appropriate assistance

  • Use What3Words to provide an accurate location

  • Inform management

  • Report details of all accidents and near misses

  • Near misses provide valuable lessons and warnings and should never be ignored

  • All vehicles MUST have fully stocked First Aid Kits

See more Safety Updates