National Farm Safety week is highlighted in September, but it is truly something to think about on a regular basis.
Farmers are usually working on tasks every week of the year. While the very serious combine fires, grain bin entrapments and road collisions are maybe what we think of, as we’re surrounded by a lot of field crops here, there are many other topics to keep in mind year-round in terms of health and safety on a farm.
Even the things that seem so simple, such as how to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are very important. Anyone on a farm needs to be thorough in getting jobs done without injury. This often means not getting in a rush.
Then there’s the thought that our precious assets are the ones out there working: family members. Most importantly, kids that grow up on a farm are often out assisting mom and dad with livestock, fences, electricity, machinery and more. Obviously, the world can be filled with danger, but we don’t want our children to live in a bubble of protection. Instead, we must instill in them the importance of safety.
Show them that rotating piece of equipment and make sure they understand the seriousness of what could happen if their shirt gets caught in it. Explain why you’re turning off the power before you wire up that new switch.
Depending on a child’s age, they may not be physically or cognitively developed enough to safely do certain tasks. This is where you as the adult come in to deliver the teaching moments.
There are tons of things on a farm that a kid can do (weed management never seems to go out of style), so let’s keep our helpers safe.
Injuries are preventable, which is why they can be so frustrating (or sometimes tragic) when they happen. Large corporations have all sorts of training sessions on safety. Why should your farm business be any different?
You can still learn new ideas through workshops and webinars (agrisafe.org) and keep farm safety in the forefront of your mind all year long. The last thing any of us need is to be hurt.
There’s never a good time for that. But there is time to slow down and think about being safe on the farm.
