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Nebraska Corn Board: Be safety-minded during harvestNebraska Agriculture remains 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 for everyone involved. "We're expecting a good crop this year--and good 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. "These are certainly exciting times in agriculture, but it is important to be patient, to take your time, stay focused and try not to get in a big hurry." According to the National Safety Council, there were 715 deaths and 80,000 disabling injuries attributed to agriculture in 2007. To highlight the importance of farm safety, September 21-27 has been declared as "National Farm Safety and Health Week." This year's theme is "Farm Safely--Protect YOUr Investment." The National Safety Council said this theme highlights the value of the safety and wellness of the agricultural producer and the importance of protecting hearing, lung function, vision, skin and the musculo-skeletal system. Last year's theme focused on farm safety for children. The Nebraska Corn Board encourages producers to pay special attention to the safety features of their equipment, and encourages everyone to keep an eye toward safety on the highways and byways this harvest and year round. 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. "All of the excitement and enjoyment of harvest can be lost in a heartbeat when a Nebraska farmer, family member or friend is injured," Hutchens said. "We don't want anyone to become a statistic for the sake of getting the crop in or fieldwork completed 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 1/4 of a cent per bushel of corn sold. Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research and education. 9/29/08 Date: 9/23/08
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