For this vital work, they can be rewarded with a good return — if the weather cooperates, the market prices remain high and they don’t have unforeseen expenses. Farmers are high-stake gamblers.
They also often are placed at considerable risk. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports the agricultural sector is the most dangerous in America, with 573 fatalities in 2019, the equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.
That’s worth noting as the fall harvest season gets into full swing. It’s a hectic time on farms, with long hours and demanding work that can end in tragedy. We urge all farmers to take the time to exercise caution while bringing in their crops, and ask people who drive by farm fields and interact with agricultural workers to be careful and smart.
One area that requires people to be alert is while driving as farm equipment rumbles down rural roads, often moving slower than other traffic. Be aware that you have a much greater likelihood of meeting a tractor, combine or some other piece of equipment on the road in the coming weeks, according to Dan Neenan, a paramedic and director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety and Transportation
“Before harvest begins, we encourage farmers to look over equipment to ensure that lighting is in working condition and equipment markings are visible and retroreflective,” Neenan said. “As the days grow shorter, the public should keep in mind that farm vehicles may be on the road when it’s dark. Being prepared to slow down and/or stop helps keep everyone safe on the road.”
Do not pass farm vehicles on no-pass stretches of road. They might be preparing to make a left turn, or you may not be able to see vehicles coming from the other direction. Just take a breath and wait a minute or so. That mature choice could make the difference between life or death for you or someone else.
Neenan encourages farmers who take prescription medication to consider how these may affect their ability to stay alert and focused, especially if they are working late into the night. This can be a factor for people taking heart medicine, or for farmers who deal with diabetes, who also need to eat regularly. Another few minutes won’t alter your harvest, folks.
Young and older workers are especially vulnerable. Some need guidance and advice to avoid dangers that surround them.
Elderly persons also are at greater risk for injury on the farm than their younger counterparts. They may have lost some hearing or have reduced eyesight, and may be as strong or flexible as they were in previous years.
All those factors can lead to disaster.
In addition, older workers often operate older equipment that they’re familiar with — which usually doesn’t have modern safety features. This must be considered before getting a start on the work that is needed this season.
Safety experts also urge caution while working in confined spaces. A webinar on this will be presented Thursday, Sept. 21. It will feature lockout-tagout information and the crucial practice of safely entering a grain bin if it becomes a necessity.
A Guest Editorial