Based on 2021 data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America, with fall harvest as the most dangerous season for the agriculture industry.

For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week, said Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist.

This annual promotion by the National Safety Council has been proclaimed by each sitting U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council.

Some of the most devastating and heartbreaking farm accidents happen during the use of power takeoff devices, said Funkenbusch.

Safety concerns

PTOs let farmers harness the power of tractor engines to drive a variety of machines. The shaft rotates at high speeds when operating and can quickly grab clothing, belts, bootlaces, jewelry or hair.

A preharvest reminder for its potential to cause injury and death can help farm families and employees avoid death and amputations, said Kent Shannon, MU Extension field specialist in agricultural engineering.

He offers these suggestions:

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• Keep all PTO guards (including the master shield) in place.

• Repair or replace damaged or missing shields.

• Stay away from unshielded moving parts.

• Watch your step when around a running machine.

• Wear clothing with no loose ends or strings to catch on machinery.

• Keep long hair under a cap or tied back to prevent it from being caught by the machinery.

• Keep children and nonworkers away from equipment.

• Stop the PTO when dismounting from the tractor and walk around rather than step over it when cleaning, adjusting or repairing it.

Before harvest, check PTO devices for the following:

• Is the PTO shaft shielded?

• Is the master shield in place?

• Is the stub shaft shield available and in use when the PTO is not in operation?

• Is the PTO shielding damaged?

• Is the PTO shaft shield working properly?

• Are all workers wearing proper clothing?

• Is long hair tied back or under a cap?

For more information, visit the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety website at www.necasag.org, or call 888-844-6322.

Source: University of Missouri Extension