The Prairie Star: Montana Ag Newspaper

Our Views

Though the weather may suggest otherwise in some areas, summer is practically here. The grass is greening, the temperatures are warming ever so slightly and the schools have closed for summer.

With all of the hustle and bustle of summer activities be it in play or work, now is a good time to take stock in what you have - your health and your family - and review agriculture rules.

Farming and ranching are considered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as two of the most dangerous occupations because when working, one is exposed to chemicals, machinery, hazardous areas such as grain bins and sometimes unpredictable large animals that can spread disease and cause injury.

Farm safety rules, such as wearing appropriate clothing (no loose ends to fall into the machinery), enforcing a no-riders policy when driving tractors and other large equipment, wearing seatbelts, avoiding steep slopes, keeping inspected fire extinguishers on hand, and wear personal protective equipment when handling chemicals, can all help prevent injury and illness while working on the farm, according to the National Safety Council. Also, watch for overhead wires when moving equipment or underground cables when digging.

Also, with schools closed for the summer, it is important to remember the safety of the youth on and off the farm. There will be more young drivers on the roads, more children playing in sometimes unsafe locations and likely more young hands helping on the family farms and ranches.

Don't forget to remind the youngsters about the safety measures to take when working and playing on the family farm, such as no riding along in tractors, letting the adults handle the large animals, wearing helmets when riding ATVs and horses, avoiding areas where dust, chemicals and confined areas could cause injury and playing in designated areas away from the hazards of agriculture. Chores should be age-appropriate.

Taking care of one's health is just as important as practicing safety when on the farm or ranch or on the roadways during the summer months. Often producers get too busy caring for their crops and livestock and tending to summer chores that they forget to look after themselves.

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hats to prevent sunburns and skin cancer, which is becoming more common. Stay hydrated, drinking water when possible; eat a well balanced meal and get good sleep to allow you to stay alert and focused when on the job.

In addition, early summer is a good time to have a physical done to ensure a clean bill of health before taking part in any summer agriculture activity, such as branding calves, moving bales, irrigating, etc. All of these activities or chores take a toll on the human body, which needs to be tended to as much as the crops and livestock.

Be sure to play and work safe this summer while enjoying the warm weather and all the fun the season brings to you and your family.

Comments »

Comment on this story

Comments will be approved within 48 hours