News

Harvest safety reminders during National Farm Safety and Health Week

As harvest activity picks up across the country, farmers are encouraged to prioritize safety and health.

National Education Center for Agricultural Safety Director Dan Neenan tells Brownfield farmers need to keep their personal health in mind as they spend long hours in the field.

“Take a few minutes every hour to get out and stretch to stop from the bouncing. If you take medications and especially medications that are food dependent, such as diabetes, it’s critically important that you take your medicine on time and that you stop and take breaks even if just for a small snack.”

He says dry weather increases the risk of field and equipment fires this season and farmers need to be prepared.

“Check and make sure that you’ve got a stocked first aid kit. Fire extinguishers, make sure you have a 10 pounder in the farm shop and then if you are out combining we recommend 2 on the combine. One up in the operator station and one down around the other side. “

He says roadway safety is also critical during harvest and farmers can play their part by having a slow-moving vehicle emblem and proper lighting that is clean and visible to other motorists.

Neenan says they have webinars and other resources available on their website with harvest safety reminders as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week, which runs through Saturday.

Audio: Interview with Dan Neenan