Objective:
To know that safety training is important and that it can reduce accidents.
Background:
A majority of agricultural accidents involve some type of machinery or equipment.
Accidents cost time, money, and involve intangible losses. Time will be lost while you are recovering.
Medical and rehabilitation bills will begin to add up. And, worst of all, you might not be able to function
as you did before the accident. Safety is too expensive not to be taken seriously. Accident costs reduce
the profit margin of your operation and, in the worst cases, accidents cost people their lives.
Safety is everyone's responsibility. It is up to everyone associated with the agricultural industry to use
safe working practices. All family members and employees can contribute to each other's safety.
Remember, operators of machinery aren't the only ones who get hurt in agricultural accidents.
General Tips for a Safe Working Environment:
For an effective farm or ranch safety program, first perform a safety status assessment.
Make safety everyone's concern including family, employees, visitors, and yourself.
Be aware of what you are doing and your surroundings. The highest percentage of injuries happens
during routine, 'every day' chores.
Ask for help if a task might be more than you can handle alone.
Take short rest breaks, so you don't overexert yourself.
Eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of sleep.
Stay away from equipment if you are angry. Wait a little while until you cool down.
Train new equipment operators before letting them work on their own.
AGRICULTURAL SAFETY TOPICS
InTROdUCTIOn TO AGRICULTURE SAFETY
wsps.ca