By KAREN BINDER
Illinois Correspondent

DES PLAINES, Ill. — Last year was bad for farming industry safety, with an 11 percent increase in workplace fatalities in 2008.

This double-digit figure represents 651 deaths nationwide in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau notes the increase was led by worker deaths in crop production, which rose 18 percent. Most farm-related traumatic injuries are caused by machinery, followed by tractor accidents.

The recent release of these tragic figures and the approach of harvest prompts the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), headquartered in suburban Chicago, to raise safety consciousness, especially among young farmers who face a greater risk of being injured.

The trend recorded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health from 1992-2007 indicates more than 8,000 farm workers died from work-related injuries in the United States, with tractor-overturn deaths accounting for an average of 96 deaths each year.

Besides that, about 243 agricultural workers suffer lost-work-time injuries daily; approximately 5 percent of these injuries result in permanent impairment. Since most farms do not fall under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations, ASSE urges farmers to provide safety training to all workers.

ASSE also points out children are at special risk. Most of the 100-plus deaths among children on farms result from being innocent bystanders or passengers on farm equipment.

Surveys indicate that many of them are working in dangerous environments by the age of 10.

There are several avenues by which safety awareness can be improved, ranging from enrolling in local farm safety camps or workshops to fully reading operations manuals for all equipment, said Jarrett Nehring, director of field operations for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Agricultural Sciences research farms.

“We always have our employees read the manuals and literature provided by the manufacturers,” Nehring said. “It’s probably the number-one way to truly know how a piece of equipment works.”
Besides these suggestions, ASSE established a new Agricultural Branch to provide a forum for safety, health and environmental professionals. It will provide a venue to network and collect information about safety and health best practices.

“Valuing safety, regardless of the weather, time schedule, commodity markets or economy, is an important message to communicate to agricultural workers,” said Terry Wilkinson of the ASSE. “Agricultural producers, most without a safety, health and environmental professional on their workforce, are encouraged to seek out safety professionals in their area for assistance.

“Too many farm family members and hired workers are getting hurt and dying on farms,” added Wilkinson. “Following simple farm safety tips to protect farm family members and children as well as hired workers on farms can prevent many farm-related injuries and illnesses, and enhance safety. A combined effort by the safety professionals and agricultural community can lead the industry into a new direction to prevent future traumatic injuries and illnesses.”

Safety advice

Here are some precautions for farmers, both young and old, from the ASSE, the Illinois Farm Bureau and OSHA:

•Be aware of the hazards on the farm and have a plan for emergencies, including machinery entanglements, fires, vehicle collisions, electrical shocks from equipment and toxic chemical exposures.

•Reduce the risk of injury and illness with preventive measures. Read and follow instructions in equipment operators’ manuals and on product labels.

•Conduct routine inspections of equipment to identify problems; properly maintain tools, buildings and equipment.

•Work with employees and family members to assess safety hazards, discuss potential accident situations and outline emergency procedures.

•Provide approved rollover protective structures (ROPS). ROPS are compartment structures, usually cabs or frames, intended to protect equipment operators during a vehicle overturn. Use seat belts while the tractor is in operation on tractors equipped with a ROPS.

•Ensure guards for farm equipment are secure after maintenance. Also, keep all equipment at least 20 feet from any overhead power lines or wires that support poles.

•Review Material Safety Data Sheets and labels that come with all chemical products.

•Communicate information concerning hazards to all workers. Prevent pesticide poisonings and dermatitis caused by chemicals by ensuring that protective measures recommended on the labels are taken.

•Take the necessary precautions to prevent entrapment and suffocation caused by unstable surfaces of grain storage bins, silos, wagons and other storage structures.

•Be aware that methane gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide can be present in manure pits and can cause asphyxiation or explosion.

•Reduce exposure to dust and chemicals to avoid respiratory problems by wearing protective equipment.