For many farms, the first-cut silage marks the real start of a busy summer. Long days, tight weather windows and pressure to get the job done can all creep in. But silage season can also bring some serious risks, especially around silage clamps so a quick reminder to take extra care now can prevent life‑changing injuries later.
Silage clamps come in many forms – hillside pits, below-ground trenches, above-ground bunkers and even stack or bale systems. The most common setup is the narrow concrete-block clamp. Yes, they are practical and space-efficient but these clamps can present one of the biggest dangers on farm: falls from height. A fall from the open edge of a clamp can be over three metres, often onto concrete… ouch!
Worth watching out for…
Working around clamps exposes you to several hazards:
- Vehicles tipping or falling off the edge during filling and rolling
- Slips or falls when removing tyres or plastic sheeting
- Collisions between people, tractors and machinery
- Cuts from wires sticking out of old tyres
- Dangerous gases such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide
- Low oxygen levels leading to asphyxiation
- Skin burns from silage additives or nitric acid
Nitrogen dioxide is especially dangerous. It is heavier than air, collects in pits or buildings and can be invisible and odourless. Climate change and changes to fertiliser use are increasing this risk, particularly in the first few days after filling.
Think before you climb or drive
Before anyone drives onto a clamp, ask yourself:
- Am I trained, confident and familiar with this tractor?
- Is the machine well maintained and fitted with a proper cab or ROPS?
- Am I wearing a seatbelt?
Use low-clearance, wide tractors with good tyres and add weights where needed for stability. Make sure sight rails are clearly visible along clamp edges – remember, they are guides, not barriers.
Take extra care near overhead power lines. Know their height, know your machine height and always allow enough clearance. Flashover can happen without contact.
Working on top of the clamp
When sheeting or removing tyres:
- Stay at least ONE METRE back from the edge
- Use hooks or poles to pull tyres and plastic towards you
- Use a mobile working platform where possible
- Only use ladders that are suitable and securely fixed
Seal the clamp as soon as consolidation is finished and take care driving up and down the pile to avoid rollback.
Indoor and shed based clamps
- Restrict access for the first 72 hours
- Ventilate buildings well
- Leave immediately if you see mist or orange staining
- Wear gloves when un-sheeting and wash hands thoroughly
- Clean and cover all cuts, and keep tetanus vaccinations up to date
Finally, like most tasks on farm, silage making is teamwork. Do speak up if something doesn’t feel right, slow things down when you need to and look out for each other.
No one would fill your boots so stay safe this silage season.
