National Farm Safety Week

This week of September 18 through September 24 is National Farm Safety Week.  Each year in Nebraska and other states there have been tragic farm accidents.  It reminds us of the importance of farm safety and how dangerous farming can be.  Statistics indicate that in 2014 there were 568 fatalities in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting category, compared to 500 in 2013, a 13.6 percent increase.  With fall harvest just beginning, safety needs to be an important focus for farmers and others in our rural community.  Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States.  Approximately 100 children and youth die in farm work accidents annually in the United States.  In the spring of 2010 there were five farm fatalities in Nebraska in a matter of a few weeks.  It is extremely important to be aware of farm hazards to prevent potential farm accidents and even fatalities on the farm.  There is potential for a wet fall which can slow down harvest and may make it more dangerous with more stress and poorer harvest conditions.    
Corn grain harvest will start in earnest soon, with soybean harvest following   here in southeast Nebraska.  It is very important for all of us to remember safety during this busy time of the year.  It is important for farmers and travelers alike to be aware of the dangers of harvest equipment being transported on the highways and country roads.
The days are getting shorter, so sometimes it is very difficult to see, especially around dusk or dawn when the sun sometimes blinds you as you drive toward it.  Country roads can be dusty, making driving particularly hazardous when harvest equipment is moving from field to field.  While these conditions call for cautious driving for the traveler, farmers need to have the proper SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) signs on their equipment.  It is also important that farm tractors and combines have functioning hazard-warning lights.  Operating headlights and hazard-warning lights provide advance warning for other drivers on highways and country roads.
Safety at the farmstead and in the field must not be overlooked either.  Equipment, tractor, and truck operators must always be aware of other people in the area, particularly young children and elderly people.  When entering the farmyard, especially at night, be alert to pedestrians.  If you are starting up and will be moving equipment, check to make sure everything is clear and there isn’t anyone playing or looking around the equipment.  Many times young children may be playing in and around equipment and are difficult to see.  Sometimes people may be looking at equipment and they do not hear it being started up and may end up in the way and at risk of getting injured.  The most common accidents that occur in handling grain involve suffocation, falls, entanglement, and electrocution.  Always protect yourself, use caution, and practice safety first!
Finally safety in the field must not be overlooked.  While you may be very careful when you’re on the road or at the farmstead when other people are involved, don’t forget safety in the field.  During harvest there is pressure to get the crop harvested as soon as possible.  We must not ignore safety when we’re harvesting the crop.  Always be sure to follow all safety guidelines listed in the manufacturer’s operator manual and always have shields in place, and support equipment properly when working under it.  Never try to unplug a combine when it is running.  There have been too many people that have lost a limb or have died trying to do this.  The bottom line is “JUST BE CAREFUL!”