Fall harvest is just around the corner, whether we’re ready or not. Here are some safety reminders for local farmers AND MOTORISTS!
Motorists Safety:
Remind your family and neighbors… as you approach a vehicle, watch for slow-moving signs, flashing lights and wide equipment when passing.
As reported by the Farm Market News on Sept 3rd, 2018:
Farmers Need to be as Concerned with Safety as with Harvest, By Mike Jordan
The bulk of harvest-season injuries happen on the road. During an interview with the Heron Lake Ambulance Service:
Most of these accidents involve cars hitting a semi or another piece of farm equipment moving slowly down the road. “People driving and approaching a loaded semi don’t realize the semi is moving much slower than the traffic flow.” says Larry Liepold, Crew Member. ‘Awareness by the public is key.”
Farmer Safety:
PTO safety
Although newer technology has make farming much safer, there are still plenty of accident causing hazards. ~ Things like corn heads slipping off, clothing or limbs caught in power take offs (PTO), field fires, etc. Pre-harvest preparation and ongoing maintenance practices greatly reduce these types of incidences. However, fatigue is often a contributing factor.
The Mayo Clinic has created a list of harvest safety reminders:
Farm safety reminders and tips during harvest season
* Stay rested. Being overtired creates an impaired mental state comparable to intoxication. …
* Take breaks. It’s important to reset and refocus from time to time. …
* Stay hydrated, and don’t skip meals. …
* Work during daylight hours. …
* Carry a first-aid kit with a tourniquet. …
* Follow best management practices. …
* Create a plan.
September 16 – 22, 2018 is National Farm Safety & Health Week. The National Education Center For Agricultural Safety helps us celebrate each day with a FREE webinar:
National Farm Safety and Health Week 2018
Cultivating the Seeds of Safety
September 16-22, 2018
Daily Topics
Monday – Rural Roadway Safety
Free Agrisafe Network Webinar: New Immigrants in the Midwest and Agricultural Health ImplicationsTuesday – Health/Suicide/Opioids
Free Agrisafe Network Webinar: Respiratory Health and Personal Protective Equipment for Ag ProducersWednesday – Child/Youth Health and Safety
Free Agrisafe Network Webinar: Children and Tractors: Myths, Facts, or “Other”
Free Agrisafe Network Webinar: Train the Trainer: Hazard Mapping in the Ag ClassroomThursday – Confined Spaces in Agriculture
Free Agrisafe Network Webinar: Confined Space – Grain Bin EntryFriday – Tractor Safety
Free Agrisafe Network Webinar: Optimizing the Health of the Female Agricultural Producer
MVTV Wireless Internet wishes all of our members and community partners a safe and prosperous 2018 harvest season!
Sincerely,
MVTV Wireless Internet Service
‘Connecting Rural Minnesota’
