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Nebraska Corn Board- Focus on safety this harvestNebraska  Agriculture continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in North America, but exercising caution, getting rest and being safety-minded can go a long ways towards making it safer. "These are exciting times in agriculture, with a bumper corn crop on the way and higher prices, too--but it's not worth an injury or fatality that could have been prevented by taking some extra precautions," said Don Hutchens, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board. "During this harvest season, it is important to be patient. Take your time and try not to get in a big hurry." According to the National Safety Council, there were 703 deaths and 90,000 disabling injuries attributed to agriculture in 2005, the most recent year available for such statistics. To highlight the importance of farm safety, President George Bush has declared Sept. 16 to 22 "National Farm Safety and Health Week." This year's theme for the week highlights the importance of keeping children safe around tractors and equipment: "It's easier to bury a tradition than a child." It is the 64th consecutive signing of a farm safety proclamation by a U.S. president, beginning with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1944. Farm accident statistics from the University of Nebraska show an average of more than 32 farm-related deaths per year in the state, with the most common causes of death being tractor-related and being engulfed in grain. The Nebraska Corn Board encourages producers to pay special attention to these and other safety ideas. Some examples of fall farm activities that raise the risk factor and deserve special attention: --Rural intersections will have heavier-than-normal travel and dusty conditions may limit visibility, as can sun glare in the morning and evening. Standing crops in the field may also block a clear view of oncoming traffic. Remember, heavily loaded trucks and grain trailers can't stop as quickly as passenger cars. --Power take-offs need to be well protected to avoid any contact with clothing or humans during operation. --Make sure safety shields are in place on all equipment everyday--they are there for a reason and are important. The same is true of equipment safety instructions. --Always be aware of power lines that can come in contact with moving equipment and augers around grain bins. --Grain bins deserve special attention and caution when grain is being removed. Safety measures should be put in place to avoid any risk of suffocation. --Take periodic breaks to help avoid fatigue. Take a rest break for a few minutes, go for a short walk or check in with family members. --Use extra caution when backing equipment. It is easy to overlook something or, more importantly someone, especially a child. --Protective eye and ear wear is important in many situations. --Watch railroad crossings. There is heavy traffic on railroads today and crossings can be very dangerous. "The excitement of harvest can be lost in a heartbeat when a Nebraska farmer or family member is injured," Hutchens said. "No one should become a statistic for the sake of getting done a day or two earlier." The Nebraska Corn Board is a self-help program, funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers. Producers invest in the program at a rate of 1/2 of a cent per bushel of corn sold. Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research and education. Date: 9/20/07
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