The most severe farm accidents often involve machinery. Missing guards and shields, failure to recognize hazards and careless operation are common factors in a majority of farm equipment accidents.
Manufacturers attempt to build safety features into equipment.
Some potential hazards can't be completely eliminated without interfering with machine function. It is the responsibility of machinery operators to recognize hazards and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others. Shear points Shear points are created when the edges of two objects move toward or next to each other closely enough to cut relatively soft material. Shear points are found on many types of crop cutting equipment. Typical examples include forage harvester heads and sickle bars on a variety of harvesting machines.