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Safety soapboxBy Holly Martin Each year around this time, I get on my soapbox. I'm stepping up there again, so get ready. It's summer, which means long hours with a lot of work to do. It means extra hired help and family around to pitch in. And it also means the risk of farm accidents is increased. That higher risk also means that everyone should have a greater awareness in order to help prevent farm accidents. According to the Department of Labor, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting had the highest fatality rate per worker than any other category in 2006. There were 29.6 fatalities per 1,000 workers. Injuries for the same category were the fourth highest. We all know that farming and ranching can be a dangerous job. Technology has given the farmer some relief. With auto-guidance and steering systems, workers report less fatigue. But those devices also can create a different kind of risk. Your mind can wander and slow reaction times. It also means that with less fatigue a driver may think he can spend even more hours in the cab. No longer should we be working with equipment with exposed PTOs. Equipment has safety measures that keep us from doing something that may be fast and convenient, but stupid. Life on the farm also involves the entire family. To many producers, it is one of the main reasons they chose agriculture as a career. But we want that family to be safe and protected. The time to start helping around the farm isn't when your child's feet can reach the pedals. Keep their tasks age-appropriate, even if they beg to do more. What is important is being aware of the risks. We all know that accidents will happen. But, with increased awareness, you might take that extra precaution that saves your life or that of your child or employee. If I sound a bit like your mother, than so be it. I want you, your employees and your family to be readers for a long time to come. If a little of my soapbox preaching makes you think twice, it has been well worth it. That's it. Soapbox stored--at least for a while. Holly Martin can be reached by phone at 1-800-452-7171 ext. 1806 or e-mail at hmartin@hpj.com. 6/30/08 Date: 6/25/08 Advertisement
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