Farm Safety Week

It is National Farm Safety and Health Week. With only 2% of Americans involved in production agriculture you might be wondering how farm safety affects you, but the following topics; road, ATV, chemical, and sun safety precautions are concerns for both urban and rural communities. According to Health Research Funding, "25% of fatalities that have occurred on four-wheelers happened to children who were younger than 16 years of age." A USDA survey shows there are 86,900 farms in Iowa, meaning there are thousands of farmers driving tractors on the road. Did you know, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (Skin Cancer Foundation)? As you can see, farm safety week can help bring awareness to safety tips that benefit all of us!

Road Safety: September is a busy time for farmers as they get ready to harvest. Beware that the number of tractors, semi-trucks and combines you see on the road will increase. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind...

1. Slow down

2. Stay back

3. Always pass on the left

4. Use turn signal when passing

5. Never crowd

ATV Safety: Four-wheelers aren't just used for farm chores. We see more and more ATVs being bought for weekend trips, hunting and recreational activities. Remember to always follow the safety instructions listed in the manual and review the following tips with your kids.

1. Wear protective gear (helmets, gloves, glasses)

2. Don't ride alone

3. Only ride where there is a seat

4. Be aware of your surroundings

5. Always inspect your ATV

Chemical Safety: We use chemicals daily to clean our house, fertilize the garden, and wax the car. It is important to review chemical safety for home, school and the farm.

Adults:

1. Always label the chemical

2. Store in appropriate place

3. Follow temperature directions

4. Keep out of reach

5. Clean up after use

Children:

1. Never put unknown items in your mouth

2. Only use with adult permission

3. Review what to do in case of an emergency

Sun Safety: Sun care is a great reminder for all of us. According to the Sun Cancer Foundation, "about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun." Review the following tips...

1. Apply sunscreen even on a shady day

2. Purchase UV sunglasses

3. Wear a hat and appropriate clothing

4. Drink lots of water

5. Move to the shade when exposed to sun for long periods of time

Let's "cultivate the seeds of safety (2018 National Farm Safety and Health theme)" by reviewing farm and health safety tips this week.