June 8, 2016

June is National Safety Month. While you may not think of farming as very dangerous, it is actually one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health.
According to the Institutes’ MedlinePlus website, farms have many health and safety hazards, including:
Chemicals and pesticides
Machinery, tools and equipment that can be dangerous
Hazardous areas, such as grain bins, silos and wells
Livestock that can spread diseases or cause injuries
Of those hazards, machinery , reportedly, causes most of the farm accidents. But many of those can be prevented through proper machine inspection and maintenance. Using safety gloves, goggles and other protective equipment can also reduce accidents.
In recognition of National Safety Month, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers has created an infographic that outlines the precautions to take when operating any type of machinery, including agricultural equipment. Outlined are the recommended types of personal protective clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to wear, the definitions of safety signs, the most dangerous areas on a job site, and the phone number to call before you start a digging project.
Print it out and hang it your farm shop to remind everyone who works on the farm to stay safe. It might save a life. We offer the smaller version below.
About the Author(s)
Senior Editor, Farm Industry News
Jodie has been a journalist for 15 years, specializing in machinery, technology and precision farming. Prior to Farm Industry News, she worked as a research analyst/editor for Rockwood Research, the former research arm of Farm Journal Media.
Jodie has won numerous writing awards including the Master Writer Program Award, Level IV, from the American Agricultural Editor's Association (AAEA). She has also been recognized for her technical writing skills by the American Society of Business Publication Editors and the Minnesota Magazines and Publications Association. Jodie is an active member of AAEA and currently serves on the board.
A former native of Montevideo, MN, Jodie earned a B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Business Communications from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.
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