Weeklong dedication to farm safety wraps up September 26th
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Farmers and ranchers are an important part of society because they provide the food that’s spread across dinner tables around the world
Just as important as the farmers themselves, is their safety and ensuring all farmers and agricultural workers go home safe at the end of the day.
From Sunday, September 20th to Saturday, September 26th is being recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week and is highlighting tips to help farms, farmers and farm staff be as safe as possible.
To help promote farm safety, the AgriSafe Network will host a daily webinar focusing on different themes:
| Date | Tuesday, September 22 | Wednesday, September 23 | Thursday, September 24 | Friday, September 25 |
| Time | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST |
| Theme | Manure Pit Entry Identify hazards associated with working in confined spaces | Children's Safety Understanding the risks and dangers to children on the farm including tractors, engulfement and suffocation | Healthier is Here Recognize emerging issues that impact farm families | National ROPS Rebate Program The webinar will review the history of tractor safety and the development of the National Tractor Safety Coalition |
The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety will also be holding a Twitter chat on Tuesday, September 22nd from 7pm – 9pm CST.
Safe Electricity has also released a list of farm safety tips to consider when electricity is being used:
- Use a spotter when using machinery near power lines
- Use caution when raising augers or beds of grain trucks near power lines
- Keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines
- Inspect the height of the farm equipment to better judge clearance
- Lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads
- Never try moving a power line out of the way
- If a power line is sagging, alert the utility company
- If equipment hits a power line, stay in the cab, call 911, tell others to stay away and wait for the utility company to cut the power
Join the conversation and tell us about the safety tips you use on your farm. What information about safety can you share with other farmers?