By the time the harvest season arrives, farmers have gone over their preparation checklist not once, not twice but many, many times. They know better than anyone that when the crop is ready to be harvested, their hard work is only just beginning. However one thing that can be easily overlooked is safety. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, agricultural work is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Just recently, a man in Indiana was killed when his tractor over turned and rolled down an embankment. In my days as a firefighter/EMT, I also saw and heard many stories of people injured by overturned tractors. As many fellow Hoosiers begin to harvest, it is important to be reminded of safety during this time. There is an inevitable need for a roll bar-equipped tractor and a seatbelt. Tractor overturns are the leading cause of death and serious injury when it comes to farming however roll bars are 99 percent effective in the event of a tractor overturn. Since 1986, manufactures have been putting roll bars on U.S. sold tractors over 20 horsepower however if your tractor is older or an off-market brand, you may need to look into this safety device. You should also make sure regularly scheduled equipment maintenance is being completed throughout the harvest season by creating a written maintenance/servicing checklist. Consider purchasing spare parts or additional maintenance/servicing tools for critical pieces of equipment that way, if an issue arises, you can fix it immediately and won’t feel pressured to continue using a damaged and potentially dangerous machine. In addition, harvest season means more farm vehicles will be sharing the roadways with other vehicles, including combines and other harvesting equipment moving from one field to another. To help prevent accidents, display the Slow Moving Vehicle emblem and always use proper vehicle lighting and flashers so that other people on the road can see you, even from a distance. Last but certainly not least, it is imperative that you know your limits. When you’ve had enough and can no longer be completely alert, let someone else take over or just take a break. The work will always still be there when you return. When it comes to the harvest season, there is a large amount of work to be done and a small amount of time to complete it in. While deadlines may be looming, I urge our area farmers to remember their own safety above anything else. It may seem like taking shortcuts will help put you ahead however when you compromise your safety, you are also compromising the success of the entire harvest. While some accidents may be unavoidable, most are 100 percent preventable with just a little added caution. So stay safe and get plenty of rest, friends and share these tips with all of your employees as well. I wish you all many more years of agricultural success! -30-
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