Farm safety is as important as the crops

Tips to help keep every aspect of the farm safe

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

Everyone knows and understands how important farms and farmers are to their communities and local economy.

What’s equally as important is the safety of the farmers, livestock and visitors on the farm.

Here are some statistics regarding farm safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States:

• 374 farmers and workers lost their lives working on a farm in 2012.
• Tractor overturns were the leading cause of death.
• About 113 people under 20 years old suffer fatal injuries on the farm.

Farmers and workers should always practice farm safety and refresh the procedures a few times a year. Here are some tips for different aspects of the farm that the farmer can introduce to make their operation as safe as possible.

Farm Grounds

1. Store farm chemicals away from children and livestock. Make a list of the chemicals on the premises for firefighters in the event of an incident.
2. Keep grasses short to help tractor and ATV drivers see as much of the ground as possible and avoid overturns.

Personal Safety

1. Refrain from wearing loose clothing.
2. Use safety equipment at all times (safety goggles, gloves, safety boots, etc.)
3. Discuss safety procedures with all who visit and live on the farm.

Machinery

1. Ensure all tractors have roll-over protection structures in place.
2. Lock tractor doors when not in use.
3. Only let proper personnel operate machinery.
4. Make sure machinery is maintained and in good working order.

Farm safety is crucially important to the success of farmers everywhere and following these tips can help every farm be as safe as possible.

Join the conversation and tell us some of the farm safety tips you have on your farm.

A farmer wears protective equipment while working on machinery.