This is National Farm Safety and Health Week.
Farmers and ranchers are reminded of some of the important safety precautions needed to ensure a safe harvest season.
Taylor Herbert with the University of Minnesota Extension Service says first and foremost, it’s important to treat your body right even during a busy season…
“Getting protein, nuts are really great, granola bars and things like that. Drinking enough water is another really big one, staying hydrated. You don’t want to get dizzy. It might be hot, we’re looking at maybe a warmer harvest season this year, so, being hydrated and not drinking too much caffeine because that can actually dehydrate you.”
She says safety equipment that’s either on-board vehicles, or available as an after-market item is an important factor, starting with a good first-aid kit…
“Make sure you have a first-aid kit in all of your cabs, or if you have and ATV, make sure it has a first-aid kit that can quickly get to where it needs to go….at the bin site, at the shop, you know, everyplace you can think of, have a first-aid kit. And for that matter, have a fire extinguisher in every cab too…and make sure it’s functioning, make sure you’re checking it. So now’s the time to really be doing some of those checks, and doing those checks on your tractors, your combines and making sure everything’s really good to go before we get moving here.”
Herbert says there are also some important things to remember for drivers who are a part of the non-farm driving public…
“If you see harvest equipment on the road, give them some space, they’re busy. They’ve probably been working long hours, so take your time, don’t be in too much of a hurry to get around them. Just be cognizant that if they’re slowing down, they might be turning, so don’t be getting yourself into a situation where you could be in an accident.”
Farmers operating equipment on frequently traveled roads are reminded to check to make sure all safety lighting is operating properly, and use those lights at dawn and dusk, and of course, at night.
