Safety Suggestions for Farms and Homes

Being safe is a habit, a way of life, and an attitude.

"In order not to be injured in an accident, we have to do things the right way," said Robert Grisso, Virginia Cooperative Extension engineer in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering.

"But even if we think of safety as an attitude, we do make special efforts to promote safety during Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 19 to 25," Grisso said.

The theme of Farm Safety and Health Week is "Yields for a Lifetime." It is a national effort to promote safety and includes educational initiatives aimed at protecting the lives and livelihood of agricultural producers, Grisso said.

"Our goal is that our nation will continue to be the recognized leader in the production of agricultural commodities and farm workers will be safe. Farm workers operate farm machinery, apply agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, work with large and often unpredictable livestock, and work in other environments where the air can be contaminated with dusts and toxins that can affect their health, he said. Their work is one of the most dangerous professions.

Among the safe farming practices given more emphasis as part of Farm Safety and Health Week are topics such as installing safety guards and retrofits on farm machinery; following safety recommendations for the storage and use of farm chemicals; and working closely with organizations and agencies concerned about agricultural and rural safety and health.

Grisso has written publications that will help Virginia agricultural workers with safety issues. One of the websites is http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/bse/442-092/442-092.html.

Grisso noted that safety topics apply to all Virginians both on the farm and at home.

Chemical Storage

The National Safety Council urges those who have young children in the home to keep chemicals in safe storage areas.

Store chemicals such as cleansers, disinfectants, and pesticides in their original labeled containers.

Keep all chemicals in secure storage cabinets that are childproofed or locked. It takes only a minute for an unattended child to gain access to chemicals located under bathroom and kitchen sink areas. The Poison Control Center telephone number for Virginia and most surrounding states is 1 (800) 222-1222. There are three centers in Virginia: the Blue Ridge Poison Center, Charlottesville, the National Capital Poison Center, Washington, D.C., and the Virginia Poison Center, Richmond

In work areas, chemicals should be kept in locked storage cabinets or buildings that are properly labeled so that workers, visitors, and rescue personnel are fully aware of the danger.

Make sure that chemical storage areas have readily accessible fire extinguishers and personal protective gear ready for any emergency.

Avoiding Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are the No. 1 cause of injuries among workers on farms and ranches according to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.

Always maintain steps and platforms free of debris and mud or ice.

Use the steps and handrails in the correct manner. Never jump from an upper platform to the ground.

Use proper shoes or boots for the work being done.

Put up warning signs in all areas that can become slippery such as in dairy and livestock barns.

Maintain proper lighting in these areas.

Never allow young children to play on ladders on farm equipment and structures.

Excess Noise

In a recently completed study of noise generated by farm equipment and tractors, the National Safety Council noted that many types of machines exceeded the OSHA recommendations for human noise exposure. Most chain saws and farm tractors without specially designed acoustical cabs produced noise well in excess of 90 decibels.

Farmers and farm workers should use hearing protection to prevent permanent hearing loss.

Also tractor mufflers and exhaust systems should be properly maintained to reduce noise levels.

Extra Riders

Most riding lawn care equipment and farm equipment have only one seat. Safe operation demands that the equipment operator occupy that seat and keep off other people who want to ride along.

It is difficult for the operators to pay full attention to driving when there is a child on their lap or a person riding along on a fender.

The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety noted that many children and youth were killed or injured when they fell and either were run over by the tractor’s wheels or by a trailing piece of equipment.

For more information, contact: Robert Grisso, (540) 231-6538, rgrisso@vt.edu.