Common Places Farmers Fall & Prevention Tips

Stairs & Ladders

• • Stairs and ladders are kept in good condition
  • Handrails and stairs are secure and free of objects and slippery surfaces
  • Wear non-slip footwear
  • When climbing, maintain three points of contact

Silos, Bins, and Elevated Platforms

• • Ladders on silos or bins taller than 30 feet need a safety cage or climbing device
  • Bins need permanent ladders for climbing
  • Silo and bin ladders should be secure and in good condition
  • Elevated platforms (if 4 feet or higher) have a guard rail 42 inches above the platform’s walking surface with a center bar at 21 inches

Ponds/Lagoons/Wells and Water/Ice

• • Restrict entrance to ponds and lagoons with 8-ft, locked, chain link fencing and posted signs (e.g., No Trespassing, No Swimming)
  • Prepare for ice in areas where water is known to accumulate (e.g., ice melt, cleats)
  • All wells should have solid covers that cannot be easily removed and should be checked regularly

Livestock Facilities

• • Keep floors and walking surfaces clear of manure, mud, and feed
  • Wear appropriate non-slip footwear
  • For concrete surfaces, wear footwear with good tread grip on soles

1. “Get Ready” (Preparation)

Before using a ladder:

• • Choose the right ladder for what you are doing (correct height, weight limit, and type)
  • Make sure you have stable footing and the right ladder composition
  • Wear non-slip footware
  • Have a plan for safely lifting tools and materials when climbing the ladder

2. “Get Set” (Setup and Inspection)

Proper setup and safety checks include:

• • Inspecting the ladder before use
  • Making sure the locking devices are engaged
  • Placing the ladder on a solid, stable surface
  • Checking for overhead hazards
  • Ensuring appropriate positioning:
    • Ladder reaches within 4 feet of the work area
    • Ladder extends 3 feet above a higher surface if accessing another level

3. “Go!” (Safe Use)

How to safely climb a ladder and work:

• • Maintain 3 points of contact at all times
  • Do not stand on the top rungs/steps
  • Avoid overreaching—keep your belt buckle between the rails
  • Only use ladders for appropriate tasks (e.g., maintenance, construction, light tasks like changing bulbs or painting)

Preventing Slips on Ice & Snow

• • Wear appropriate winter gear and traction devices (like spikes or crampons)
  • Use ice melt on walkways
  • Be cautious in areas where water can freeze
  • Carry a phone and tell someone where you’re going

How to Walk Safely on Ice (“Walk Like a Penguin”)

• • Take short, slow, flat-footed steps
  • Keep your center of gravity over your feet
  • Keep hands free for balance
  • Additional tips:
    • Step down (not out) when exiting a car
    • Use handrails and avoid slopes
    • Keep your head up and avoid leaning forward

Safety on Frozen Water

• • Check ice thickness before walking or driving on it
  • Bring a safety kit (rope, dry clothes, whistle, hand warmers)

Measuring Ice Thickness:

• • Use an ice auger to drill a hole
  • Measure thickness with a tape or stick
  • Check thickness every 10–15 feet as you move

General Ice Thickness Guidelines:

• • ~4 inches: safe for one person
  • 5–7 inches: snowmobiles/ATVs
  • 8–12 inches: small cars
  • 12–15 inches: larger vehicles (with caution)
  • Less than 2 inches: unsafe

For more information and additional resources on Cold Weather Hazards, visit our topic page here.