NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
February 3, 2000
Now is a time for planning on the farm. Producers are planning machine and land use, and selecting crop varieties, fertilizers and farm chemicals. Now is also the time to plan for safety, according to an agricultural safety specialist at North Dakota State University.
"Including safety in farm plans can help other plans become reality," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. "An accident can upset even the best-laid plans."
If safety is to be taken seriously on the farm, there should be a safety management team, Maher says. "The family that works together should plan their safety together. An accident that results in an injury affects everyone, so the family needs to plan and execute safety management together."
As part of the planning process, hazardous jobs should be explained and discussed to give everyone and understanding of the safety concerns. Safety management plans should include emergency response plans, instructions on how to avoid becoming a victim, first aid training and assurance that all family members know how to call for help and give directions to the farm. All family members should receive training in safety procedures for all farm equipment and how to stop and shut off the machinery.
"Most family farms get their work done by involving nearly everyone who is capable of doing work, even youth in the family. That illustrates the need to assign age-appropriate tasks," Maher says. "Some jobs are too demanding for a person of a certain age, young or old. Age, as well as physical and emotional maturity must be considered when assigning work.
Based on those judgements, set farm safety policies. Make decisions and follow them in regard to who can operate particular machines, who can do which chores and who can go in certain buildings or areas.
Conduct training in CPR and first aid. It's comforting to know that everyone mature enough on the farm can give first aid or CPR if it is needed. Consider attending a CPR or first aid class as a family.
Conduct safety inspections at least annually. "Involve everyone in the inspection. The more eyes, the better," Maher says. Conduct a safety tour before each farm season starts. Inspect tillage, fertilizer and planting equipment in the spring. Go over chemical application equipment and procedures before spraying. Inspect mowing and baling equipment before haying. And inspect all harvest equipment before that season starts.
"Farm safety efforts need a follow-up if they are to be effective," Maher says. "So it's important to keep records of safety inspections and safety training. Use checklists with machinery all the time. Farm safety takes effort, it doesn't just happen and it isn't a simple matter of dumb luck."
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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629