Farm Safety

From MHC Healthcare's humble beginning in 1957 as a health center serving migrant farm workers in rural Marana, farming is integral to who we are as an organization. This past week, September 18-24, was Farm Safety and Health Week. There are a lot of hazardous materials when entering farmland, and is easy to miss. While Farm Safety Week has come and gone, this information still needs to be circulated. This article will show all the different hazards, how to stay safe, and how to ensure a visit to the farm will not cause health problems.

Some examples of the various dangers on the farm include:

• Chemicals as well as pesticides
• Highway Traffic
• Toxic gas
• Tractors
• Livestock
• Machinery as well as equipment
• Tools
• Piles of Manure
• Wells
• And many more

The biggest risk factors for injuries are usually children under 15 and adults who are over 65. The main culprit for injuries would be machinery. Seat belts when riding on tractors, as well as goggles and other protective clothing, can help in reducing injuries. Unfortunately, given farms are typically far from the cities, the ability to get to the hospitals in case of an emergency is not likely to happen.

How can I improve my farm safety as well as spread awareness to others?

Researching farming hazards, preparing for proper medical equipment in case of an emergency such as a fire, tractor accident, electric shock, and chemical safety is a great place to start. Be very cautious if you have elderly or children with you in case hazardous equipment or chemicals are nearby. The following are ways you can help to reduce injuries on the farm:

• Thoroughly read the instructor’s manual for machinery and equipment as well as labels
• Do a routine checkup on equipment to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary
• Be sure to discuss safety procedures with the farm workers
• After maintenance, ensure that guards on the equipment are replaced
• Take precautionary measures to prevent injuries from silos and grain storage bins
• Know that methane gas as well as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia can form in silos and manure pits that are unventilated and that they can poison workers as well as explode.
• Always take advantage of safety equipment

Following these safety guidelines can hopefully ensure safety of farm workers as well as those living on the farms and people who come to tour the farmland.

For more information on agricultural health and safety as well as other information, check out the following link: http://agsafety.osu.edu/

Have a great September and thank you for reading!

Author: Beth Jeffries, MHC Healthcare Volunteer