From the field to the farmyard, loss most often hides in plain sight—and it tends to show up in the same vulnerable places season after season. When you work with Rural Mutual, you get a loss control team to help you identify key spots on your farm that are a risk for loss and advice how to avoid it. A strong loss‑prevention strategy starts with knowing pressure points and putting simple safeguards in place. By targeting the farm’s highest‑risk zones first, farmers can protect margins without adding unnecessary complexity.
Identify high-risk areas on the farm and how to reduce loss
avoid FIRE risk
There are three factors that increase the risk of fire:
- Construction of the building – a wood frame building is obviously more susceptible to fire than a concrete block building
- Buildings occupancy – the greater the building’s fire load (the amount of combustible material per square foot of floor space), the greater the potential for fire that exists
- External environment – a building attached to another has a greater fire potential then a stand-alone building.
To reduce the potential for fire, vegetation should be trimmed back from the building, and trash dumpsters or any other combustible materials should be stored at a safe distance from the building.
A building with a fire alarm system and smoke detectors will always be safer.
clean up debris
Poor housekeeping can increase the risk of loss, so get cleaned up!
The biggest hazard resulting from poor housekeeping is an unnecessary increase to a building’s fire load.
- Cardboard, trash, or other combustible material contributes to unsafe conditions.
- Trash outside the building should be picked up and placed in dumpsters.
- Inspect the floor on a regular basis to make sure the work area is free of debris, clutter, and falling hazards.
Poor housekeeping can also lead to an increase in slip, trip, and fall hazards. Clean up spills in a timely manner and move items from walkways or along stairs. Make sure your exit routes and aisle ways are clear.
Check the electrical system
Poor electrical service increases overall risk. Poor wiring can increase the risk of a fire or the possibility of electrocution. You should regularly inspect all extension cords for cuts and frays, and make sure that the ground plug is still in place. Whenever possible, permanent wiring should be installed instead of using extension cords. Routinely check to make sure that all electrical panels are accessible by at least 36 inches.
Poor electrical wiring could be present in:
- Overloaded panels
- Blocked panels
- Exposed wiring
- Non-GFCI outlets in wet areas
Rural Mutual believes in keeping Wisconsin farms, families and children safe. Reach out to a local Rural Mutual agent to make sure you’re protected.
