September 19, 2022
By:
The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers remind everyone to stay safe on the farm and roadways. The third week of September is National Farm Safety & Health Week. It is slated for this week because it’s about the same time that farmers take to the fields working tirelessly to get their crops in for the year. It is also the season when many farm accidents happen. Sometimes they occur in the grain bin, on the highway, or in the field. This year’s theme is “Protecting Agriculture’s Future.”
Among the safety topics that are stressed this week include the deadliest subject: tractor safety & rural roadway safety. Half the farm fatalities reported each year are from transportation incidents. In the field, be visible with bright colored and reflective clothing. On the road, equipment should have sufficient lighting, reflectors, and a slow-moving vehicle sign. Motorists are encouraged to slow down when they encounter farm equipment on the road, allow for plenty of space, and only pass when safe to do so.
Other topics stressed this week include safety and health for youth on farms, and women working on farms. The week also reminds farmers to take care of themselves and not neglect food, sleep, or regular medication they may take. Children should only be assigned to age-appropriate tasks and be kept away from moving machinery and other hazards. They should be constantly supervised.
Another essential reminder focuses on farmers with large amounts of acreage requiring more travel. It’s crucial farmers know the physical 911 address for each location. One solution is to keep a list of farm addresses in each farm vehicle. This tool speeds up the response time of an ambulance or fire truck.
In an average year, between 400 and 500 farmers will be killed. Nonfatal injuries happen to about a third of the farm population annually. Initiated in 1944 by the National Safety Council, the annual promotion has been proclaimed by each sitting U.S. President.
The National Farm Safety & Health Week campaign is now promoted by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. It is the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council and has been serving families and businesses in agriculture since 1997. More information and tips may be found at necasag.org.
Visit the DeKalb County Farmers and Ranchers on Facebook for more information and to get involved.