David Powell
WeatherEdge Forecaster
Harvest season is a memorable time filled with hard work and family tradition. But it can also be a dangerous time if you don’t take the proper precautionary measures. More farm accidents occur during the fall than at any other time of the year, and usually involve one or more farm family members. Did you know that agriculture ranks among the nation’s most hazardous industries? Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries, and farming is one of the few industries in which family members, who often share the work and live on the premises, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. In 2010, 476 farmers and farm workers died from a work-related injury, resulting in a fatality rate of 26.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Tractor overturns were the leading cause of death for these farmers and farm workers.
Research has shown that fatigue can be another major contributor to increased farm accidents, especially in the fall. Farm operators are usually in a hurry to finish harvest and follow-up tillage in a timely fashion before winter sets in, which can be especially challenging later in the harvest season, and with wetter than normal conditions. During the harvest time, it is very easy for farm family members to not get adequate rest, take breaks, and even eat meals. In order for you to remain alert during harvest, you cannot sacrifice rest and nutrition. When doing fieldwork, take short breaks throughout the day to get out of the tractor to stretch. Stay hydrated and pack nutritious snacks or meals so that you have energy to complete the day’s work. Work during daylight hours. The more hours you put in after dark, the greater your risk of injury. Do the bulk of your work while the sun is still up. Employ a safety check-in process for your family and/or team. Share how long you plan to work and set ongoing check-in times, so someone knows whether or not you’re OK. If you’re caught in a machine or bleeding in a field without the ability to call for help, things could end up dire.
Do you have a first-aid kit with a tourniquet close by in your truck, combine or both? If not, you really should. These tools save lives and limbs. Of injured people who die from blood loss, half die within 30 minutes. Manage uncontrolled bleeding to the arms and legs with direct pressure and tourniquets. Manage uncontrolled bleeding to the torso junctional locations (groin, shoulder, armpit and neck) with direct pressure or wound packing. Uncontrolled bleeding from arms and legs, as well as uncontrolled bleeding in the chest and abdomen, which cannot be managed outside a hospital, is the most preventable cause of death in injured patients. It’s so important to control and stop the bleeding.
When it is crunch time during harvest, a person may sometimes accept help from a neighbor, family member, or friend. However, it is important for you to provide that person with farm safety training related to the task that they will be helping with on the farm. Finally, Farmers moving their tractors on country roads also take risks. When fast cars and slow equipment share the same road, both parties need to take extra precautions. When driving farm equipment on a public road, be sure that your lights and reflective cautionary signs are visible to passenger vehicles. Keep the aforementioned tips in mind to stay safe, healthy and happy on the farm and in the field. We’re so grateful for all the farm families we have come to know over the years. We hope you take these friendly reminders from some folks who really care. We offer a big Thank you to our farming community for all your hard work and dedication.
