Farm safety is in spotlight this week

Across Minnesota, farmers know that safety is a top priority. Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week, March 4-10, is a good reminder for farmers to review safety procedures to ensure their farms are safe for themselves, their family members and employees.

In 2010, 495 people lost their lives working on the farm. It’s impossible to put a value on the life that is lost.

Technological improvements are bringing a higher level of safety to the farm. For example, rollover protection systems (ROPS) are now standard on new tractors. The investment in adding rollover protection and seatbelts to older tractors pay great dividends if these tractors are involved in a rollover.

Safety on the farm is like anything else - it improves when you work at it. As farmers, we need to set and enforce safety rules and do proper equipment maintenance. Farm Bureau believes that safety education is a priority. Farm Bureau emphasizes safety education for youth. As a result of greater awareness, youth injury rates on the farm were cut in half between 1998 to 2009.

“We strive to educate as many people as we can about safety topics,” said Layne Ebeling, Minnesota Farm Bureau Promotion & Education chair. “Talk to your county Farm Bureau on how you can get involved with communicating your safety message.”

ASAP is part of the Farm Bureau Safety and Health Network comprised of state Farm Bureau professionals who work to identify and decrease safety and health risks associated with farms and rural life. For more information, visit agsafetynow.com .

Tags: news, updates, farm, agriculture