Farm safety includes farmers and non-farmers

By Nathan Winter, University of Minnesota Extension

Every year there are numerous farm-related accidents in the area. Sadly, most of these farm related accidents could have been prevented if appropriate safety measures would have been taken. Those that work with fall harvest are constantly under pressure to get the crop out of the field. Often, nature does not leave a big enough time period to get the work done so farmers feel the need to hurry. Unfortunately, the growing season was not overly cooperative this year so harvesting needs to be timely to get fall crops harvested in an efficient manner.

According to the National Safety Council, farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Many of the mechanical, chemical, and environmental hazards increase the risk of accidents. Many of the accidents that do occur could possibly be prevented. Over 700 farmers and ranchers die in work-related accidents yearly and another 120,000 agricultural workers suffer disabling injuries.

Those at risk working on the farm range from young children to senior farmers. Nobody is left out and considered safe when working on farms. Youth often are working at a very young age with very little supervision. Youth at risk are many times innocent bystanders or passengers on farm equipment. Take every precaution when taking youth with you out to the field.

A few good tips for keeping safe include:
1. Always know where youth are playing or working.
2. Always make sure youth are kept away from dangerous areas before starting, driving, or backing agricultural equipment.
3. Always tell youth about the dangers of working with and being around equipment.
4. Take time to answer their questions regarding safety.
5. Youth assisting with farm work should be mature enough to handle the situations that could arise.
6. Follow equipment safety guidelines.
7. Check-in on youth that are working or assisting with agricultural work.

On most farms, youth are utilized to help out with the farm work. Be sure to look out for their interests by keeping them safe. Always think of how to safely operate the machines and equipment you are running before you start and be sure to tell the youth as well.

Youth are at special risk from farm-related accidents, but they are by no means the only ones to worry about. Farmers and adult employees also need to follow the safety guidelines and watch out for their own safety. What is good enough for the youth should also be good for the farmer as well.

Farmers need to practice safety, but it is not only their responsibility. Those using public roadways should also take extra precaution when driving because there will be numerous tractors and slow moving vehicles on the roadways. Often, older farm equipment is not equipped with blinker signals and the appropriate safety equipment. Exercise extra precaution when sharing the road with vehicles that have the slow moving vehicle sign on the back. Good luck with the fall harvest and please remember to take things slowly and exercise safety in your daily work.

(Nathan Winter is an agricultural educator for McLeod and Meeker counties with the University of Minnesota Extension.)