Preparing for spring is not limited to preparing the soil and crops on those warm spring days. This is also the perfect time for farmers, ranchers and homeowners alike to take the steps necessary to prevent injuries in order to have a truly productive season. Placing emphasis on agricultural safety recognizes the rich tradition of our farming and ranching culture in producing the safest and most abundant food in the world, and the involvement of all members of the farm family in age appropriate tasks.
One good way to manage safety on the farm is to establish a checklist. The Farm Safety 4 Just Kids program offers the following safety checklist suggestions:
Are the keys removed from idle equipment?
Are riders not allowed on tractors, farm machinery and lawn mowers?
Are slow moving vehicle (SMV) emblems in place and still reflective?
Are power take off (PTO) shields in place on tractors and machinery?
Are other safety shields and guards in place on machinery and lawn equipment?
Are warning and danger decals prominently displayed on all equipment, including grain handling equipment?
Children being carried along as extra riders on farm and lawn care equipment continues to be a concern among safety professionals.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to pay full attention to operating the machine when you have a youngster on your lap or riding on the fender. More than 100 children are killed on U.S. farms each year. Many of these deaths are from accidentally falling off the operators station of a tractor or farm implement and being run over by the tractor or trailed equipment.
When there is only one seat, the rule of thumb is for the operator and no one else to occupy the seat. For safety sake, never allow extra riders. This rule applies to farm as well as lawn and garden tractors.
For more information on farm safety, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu
