Spring is an especially busy time for farmers throughout central Minnesota. In addition to completing daily chores and tasks like milking cows and feeding livestock, many farmers and farm workers are also tilling fields, planting crops and tending to the special needs of young livestock. With so much to do in such a short amount of time, area farm workers often rise early and work well past sunset. Unfortunately, this demanding schedule can result in even the most safety-conscious individual making mistakes that can result in accidents and injuries.
When it comes to farm safety, it’s important to be vigilant year-round. However, being aware of safety hazards is especially important in the spring.
3 Spring Farming Safety Hazards
- Equipment Hazards – After a long winter, many farmers are eager to get out into the fields. Before doing so, it’s important to ensure the farm machinery is maintained and in proper working order. Tractors, discs, planters and sprayers should be closely inspected and tested to prevent equipment malfunctions and breakdowns which can lead to accidents, injuries and even deaths.
- Traffic Accidents – During planting season, farmers often drive farm vehicles and/or haul farm equipment along area roads and highways. Not only are these vehicles slower moving, but they are often also oversized. Farmers must be sure to take safety precautions prior to setting out on the road. In addition to making sure that signal lights and headlights on farm vehicles and equipment are in proper working order, farmers should also affix slow moving vehicle signs to their equipment. Farmers should also use caution when traveling in the early morning or late evening hours.
- Livestock Dangers – Everyone loves baby farm animals and kids especially enjoy being around young lambs, piglets, calves and foals. While these animals may look sweet and docile, both they and their moms can be dangerous. Even a small calf can spook and easy knock down and trample a young child. Likewise, mother animals are often protective and may not take kindly to their offspring getting so much attention.
If you are a farm worker or were a visitor on a farm and suffered injuries in an agricultural accident of some kind, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney. You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Money you recover can be used to pay for related medical expenses, account for lost wages and ease other financial burdens that stem from your injuries.
