How to avoid chemical misapplications

Effective communication between chemical applicator and farmer is a key element in helping prevent costly and dangerous misapplications. It’s critical for everyone involved to recognize the importance of their role in the conversation and to understand how their actions can help prevent errors and accidents.

Exchange complete information about the application

Effective, interactive communication between chemical applicator and farmer must occur before the applicator heads out to the field. That means taking good notes while making out work orders and asking for specific details and expectations from the farmer. The primary objective here is to obtain as much information as possible.

When in doubt, don’t spray

Whenever there are questions or concerns, make it your policy not to spray. If you don’t, errors — such as spraying the wrong field or applying the wrong chemical — can occur. Ironically, those errors are among the easiest to prevent if everyone works together and communicates.

Clear communication with all employees is important

Effective communication is important not only between applicator and farmer, but between applicator and fertilizer manager and other internal employees. A breakdown in internal communication can lead to costly errors, resulting from:

• Insufficient tank rinsing between spray jobs
• Spraying when it’s too windy
• Improperly calibrating or maintaining spray equipment
• Reusing chemical containers, which is prohibited per the label
• Not following label instructions
• Going off-label

What to do if an accident occurs

Unfortunately, there will be instances when a claim needs to be filed. When a covered incident occurs you should immediately do the following:

• Notify your insurer as soon as possible
• Document as much information as possible to assist your claims representative