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Combines: Safety Before, During, and After Harvest

A combine is a large, complex machine with many moving parts, long hours and high pressure to finish. Safety work happens in three stages: before the season, during it and after it.

What should happen before harvest begins?

Start with the operator manual and the manufacturer's inspection list. Check shields, guards, lights, brakes, tires, hydraulic hoses, belts, chains and fire extinguishers. Walk the machine with the person who will run it, and fix problems while there is still time to order parts.

Plan the harvest as a team. Decide who does what, how you will communicate, and what you will do in an emergency. Review field hazards such as overhead lines, wet spots, ditches and steep ground.

Test alarms, horns and lights at the start. Check that ladders and platforms have secure steps and handholds, and that nothing on them is slippery. Make a note of anything that needs repair so it can be fixed before the next season.

• Shields and guards in place
• Lights, mirrors and cameras working
• Hoses, belts and chains checked
• Fire extinguishers charged and accessible
• Emergency plan and contacts reviewed

What are the main hazards during harvest?

Combines combine rotating parts, heavy loads, heat, dust and long work days. Entanglement, falls from ladders and platforms, fires, rollovers and contact with overhead lines are among the hazards discussed in agricultural safety sources.

Shut down fully before clearing blockages or doing adjustments. Use lockout steps from the manual. Never reach into a running machine, even if it seems to be idling.

Climbing on and off a combine happens many times a day, so treat it as part of the hazard. Use the steps and handholds, face the machine and clear mud first.

How can you reduce fire risk?

Dry crop residue, dust and heat can lead to fires. Clean accumulated material from the machine as the manual describes, check bearings and belts for signs of overheating, and keep a working extinguisher accessible.

If a fire starts, call 911 and get away from the machine. Do not take risks to save equipment. NFPA publishes general fire safety information.

Check bearings, belts and engine areas during breaks, and note any unusual smells or sounds. Have a plan for contacting 911 and for giving your field location.

How do you handle fatigue and pressure?

Harvest brings long hours and weather deadlines. Tired operators make mistakes, so plan rest, food, water and breaks. Share driving where possible, and set limits on how late the work goes.

If stress feels heavy, talk to someone you trust. In the U.S., call or text 988 for support.

Rotate drivers and cart operators if possible. Arrange meals to be brought to the field, so that no one skips food to save time.

How do you stay safe working with grain carts and trucks?

Communicate clearly when unloading on the go. Agree on signals, stay out of blind spots and keep bystanders away from the machines. Never allow people to ride on equipment unless there is a designated seat.

Stay clear of power lines when raising augers or unloading tubes. Check with the utility if you are unsure.

Remember that people on foot are very hard to see. Establish a rule that nobody approaches a combine until the operator has stopped and made eye contact.

What should you do after harvest?

Shut down, clean and inspect. Remove built-up crop residue as described in the manual, repair damage and replace worn shields. Store the machine on firm, level ground with the key removed, and block it as recommended.

Write down what went wrong and what almost went wrong, then use the notes to plan next year. Offseason is the best time for refresher training.

If the combine will be stored in a shed, keep the area free of oily rags and trash, and keep the extinguisher near the exit.

Where can you find official guidance?

Use the operator manual, then OSHA's agriculture page, NIOSH's agriculture program, NFPA and your extension service. Rules differ by state and operation, so confirm with the official body.

Think of safety as a season-long routine instead of a single list. A few minutes at each stage prevents many problems.

Ask the dealer about an end-of-season service visit.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.