As fall arrives in Minnesota, the farming community gears up for a busy harvest season. While this time of year is filled with hard work and rewards, it also comes with its own set of challenges and potentials dangers. Farming can be a dangerous job, so it is crucial to address the risks and prioritize safety. Keep reading to learn about farm safety during the harvest season and how Mahnomen Health is here to support our community.
Grain and Auger Safety
One of the key areas that demand our attention during the harvest season is grain and auger safety. Grain bins and augers, essential parts of farming operations, have the potentials to become dangerous if not approached with caution. One of the biggest threats of farming is the potential for grain entrapment, where individuals can become submerged and trapped within the shifting grain – within a matter of seconds. Augers have rotating blades that can catch on loose clothing and hair, leading to severe injuries or worse. It is important for all farm workers to be educated on the proper protocols for working around grain bins and augers, to ensure their safety.
Know Your Surroundings and Be Aware
Farm safety, including knowing your surroundings and maintaining constant awareness, is crucial during harvest season. While on the farm or in the field, you should know the layout, understand where hazards may arise, and know the location and information of emergency resources incase of an accident. Knowing your surroundings can help you avoid potential accidents before they happen. It is equally as important to stay alert and be aware of changing conditions. Being aware of sudden storms or recognizing potential risks of faulty farm equipment could help save you and other individuals.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Farm
As the harvest season takes off, here are a few quick rules to follow to ensure the safety of yourself and others as you work.
- Wear proper clothing: Don’t wear clothing or items that could get caught in augers or chains.
- Work from outside the bin: Use a pole from outside the bin to move any grain stuck in the bin.
- Never leave running equipment unattended: Turn off all equipment when not in use; you or your loved ones could get hurt if left running.
- Take breaks as needed: Make sure to find time to rest your body and mind; exhaustion could result in avoidable accidents.
- Have an emergency plan: Know who to call and where to go if an emergency happens.
Preparation is Key
As the harvest season begins, prioritizing safety, knowing your surroundings, and being aware are the foundation of responsible farming. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, even in the most prepared environments. That’s why it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out plan in place that everyone on the farm knows. Knowing what to do in case of an accident can make all the difference. When it comes to providing immediate and experienced care, Mahnomen Health is our community’s lifeline. As a Level IV Trauma Center, we are here for the community 24/7, to provide support for a range of emergencies.
So, as we celebrate the harvest season, and all of the hard work our community farmers put into it, let’s always remember that safety should be our number one priority. If the unexpected occurs, Mahnomen health is here to ensure the well-being of our community in times of need.