Farm safety guidelines require common sense
Kansas Department of Health & Environment lists agriculture as one of the most hazardous industries in Kansas.
In 2004, 15 Kansans were killed in agriculture-related accidents. Nine of those fatal accidents involved a tractor, four occurred in the production of crops, one was livestock-related, and one from a truck bed lowering on a victim.
So far in 2005, there have been three deaths caused by farm-related accidents.
Nationwide, the National Safety Council reports 1,200 people working in agriculture die from job-related injuries in a typical year. Another 140,000 are injured.
Damage to farm property, machinery, and crops is in the billions of dollars.
General farm safety rules are:
— Do not allow children to ride on tractors.
— Have roll-over protection (ROPS) on all tractors.
— Have all operators complete a tractor safety course.
— Make sure all equipment has proper working lights and slow moving vehicle signs.
— Wear seat belts when operating all vehicles, including farm machinery.
— Make sure all power take-offs, belts, and augers have proper guards and shields.
— Turn off power before adjusting, servicing, or unclogging power-driven machinery.
— Make sure loads being towed are properly hitched to the drawbar, and pins and chains are in place.
— Display slow moving vehicle signs on machinery towed or driven on the highways.
— Have shields and guards in place and maintained at all times.
— Inspect and maintain all hydraulic hoses and couplings.
— Make sure tires are properly inflated.
Protect children
Living on or visiting a farm can be great fun and different from living in the city. Children who live on farms often help around the farm, care for animals, or shift stock and feed.
Some of the things that can cause injuries to children on farms are:
— Falls from machinery.
— Loud noises that can damage ears.
— Unsafe use of guns.
— Unsafe handling or storage of chemicals.
— Tools and equipment left within reach.
— Playing in and around silos.
— Unsupervised driving of machinery.
— Injuries caused by livestock.
— Playing in dangerous areas (i.e. sandpits, swampy areas, etc.).
Safety rules for farms with children are:
— Always turn off farm machinery if leaving it.
— Leave safety equipment in place (i.e. brakes and guards).
— Take keys out and put them out of reach of young children.
— Lock away all chemicals.
— Keep guns locked away and ammunition in a different location.
— Make sure water areas are fenced off and gated.
— Cover or fence wells, tanks, and swimming pools.
Parents are responsible for the safety of their children. On a farm, families often have to work together. Teach children proper skills, to be responsible, and take steps to keep everyone safe.
