The FEMA Post Hole Digger Product Safety Council offers an important safety message for owners/operators of post hole diggers.  The message details the importance of safety in the assembly, operation, transport, maintenance and storage of this equipment.  Failure to follow these basic and common rules can result in severe injury or even death to operators or bystanders.

Several tips are listed to keep operators, and bystanders, safe while using post hole diggers including only using shear bolts or auger retaining bolts specified by the manufacturer, remaining in the tractor seat while digging and not operating the digger unless all shields and guards are in place.  It is also suggested to retrofit older machine with standard safety equipment.  The full message can be found online at:

http://www.farmequip.org/imgupload/file/PHDAD09.pdf.          

For more information, contact Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, 1000 Executive Parkway, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63141-6369. 

Telephone: 314-878-2304, Fax: 314-878-1742.