8 irrigation safety tips

Agriculture is one of the nation’s most dangerous occupations, according to the National Safety Council. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. farms reported 200,000 work-related injuries annually. Tractors and other machinery account for most injuries, but producers often overlook the potential safety risks associated with irrigation systems. 

“Irrigation systems are powerful pieces of equipment that combine water, electricity, high water pressure and moving mechanical parts,” said Lyndon Kelley, an irrigation and groundwater expert at Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, St. Joseph County. “If they’re not operated or maintained properly, they can pose serious risks to both people and equipment.” 

Unlike regularly used pieces of equipment, irrigation systems frequently sit idle for months. During the offseason, problems can develop unnoticed, making a thorough inspection before startup just as important as safe operation throughout the irrigation season. 

One of the greatest risks is that many electrical hazards remain hidden until you service the system or start it up.  

“Electrical grounding, maintenance and operating practices are critical to safety,” said Brenden Kelley, MSU Extension agriculture water use efficiency and irrigation educator in Mason County. “Equipment ages gradually and is utilized seasonally, creating significant potential for hazards that may go unnoticed. These hazards are often silent and invisible, making them difficult to detect. The consequences of poor maintenance and poor safety practice may be instant and lethal.” 

Because electrical hazards cannot be seen, routine maintenance and consistent operating procedures are crucial. Even experienced irrigation users can take the system for granted when working around the equipment, making it important to follow the same safety protocols every time equipment is inspected or started. 

Safety best practices 

Keeping workers safe is always top priority. In addition to reducing injuries, proper safety practices offer additional benefits. Well-maintained systems experience fewer breakdowns, reduce costly downtime during critical watering periods and help keep irrigation equipment operating efficiently throughout the season. 

Developing a simple pre-start inspection checklist that takes only a few minutes to complete can significantly reduce risk and help protect everyone working around irrigation equipment. Brenden and Lyndon recommend these eight irrigation safety practices before operating or maintaining on-farm irrigation systems.  

1. Limit unnecessary contact with electrical equipment. Avoid touching the irrigation system and electrical equipment unless necessary. 
2. Use safe procedures when operating disconnect boxes. Always touch disconnect boxes with the back of your hand before throwing the lever to the on position. This will prevent electricity from causing your hand to clench down on the object that is shorting out. 
3. Stand to the side when turning equipment on. Position yourself away from the front of disconnect boxes to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an electrical blast. 
4. Verify proper grounding.All electrical infrastructure must be grounded properly, especially irrigation equipment. 
5. Maintain safe positions around center pivots. Stay clear of center pivot drive wheels and avoid parking vehicles or equipment within the system’s operating area. Avoid driving equipment under center pivot spans as fields may have hills and valleys that cause lower clearance than one might expect.  
6. Avoid overspray on roads. Wetting roads poses a significant risk to motorists. 
7. Follow chemigation safety requirements. When using irrigation for chemigation, ensure that proper backflow protection devices are in place and all precautions listed on the chemical label are followed. 
8. Inspect equipment before startup. Check controls, timers, safety stops and the pivot’s travel path for obstructions before operating the system. 

Taking a few extra minutes before startup can prevent serious injuries, costly repairs and unexpected downtime, helping keep both workers and irrigation systems operating safely all season long.