Preventing Accidents On The Farm

Background

• Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations.
• Accidents cost Indiana farmers millions of dollars each year.
• When a farmer has been sidelined by an accident and unable to work, often there is no one to take his place.
• The consequences of accidents, such as equipment breakdowns, delays, and medical costs can severely affect your balance sheet.

• Accidents are usually caused by avoidable physical hazards, human errors, carelessness, and stress-related actions, such as rushing to get things done.
• About 90% of all agricultural accidents can be prevented.
• Perhaps the most important aspect of farm accident prevention is the attitude of the worker.

Tips

• Develop—then follow—a comprehensive and effective farm safety program.
• Prevent or avoid accidental injuries through positive actions, such as planning, preparing, reducing hazards, using protective equipment, training your help, and working and driving in ways that minimize the chance of mishap.
• Constantly be on the lookout for possible accident situations.
• Don't take chances and don't accept accidents as part of farming.
• Be aware of the dangers of farming and keep your mind on the job at hand.
• Take safety breaks throughout the work day to help you stay more alert and safer.

Farm Accidents Don't Just Happen

Accidents don't "just happen." They are usually caused by avoidable physical hazards and human errors. Therefore, most accidental injuries could be prevented or avoided through positive actions, such as planning, preparing, reducing hazards, using protective equipment, training your help, and working and driving in ways that minimize the chance of mishap. See your County Extension Educator for more information on agricultural safety.

Farm Accidents Cost Money

Accidents cost Indiana farmers millions of dollars each year. The lack of a comprehensive safety program can reduce your profits greatly. Equipment breakdowns, delays, and medical costs are just a few of the factors that will affect your balance sheet. In view of the economic times we now face, farmers cannot afford to be without an effective safety program.

Agricultural Stress

Long hours, economic uncertainties, and deadlines causes much stress on agricultural producers, which because of long hours, rising inflation, and deadlines to meet. These stresses can cause a producer to become careless in his rush to get things done. Take safety breaks throughout your days. It will help you to be more alert and safer so you can keep being an agricultural producer.

Attitude

The most important aspect of farm safety is the attitude of the operator. If the operator is constantly on the lookout for accident situations, if he doesn't take chances, and if he doesn't accept accidents as being a part of farming, he will probably not be involved in an accident.

Remember! 90% of all agricultural accidents can be prevented. It's up to you.

Be Aware of the Dangers of Farming

Many farmers are safety conscious because they know that if they are hurt and unable to work, often there is no one to take their place. Being safety conscious has prevented many farm accidents; however, it's still not enough. Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations. Being aware of the dangers of farming and keeping your mind on the job will prevent many accidents on your farm.