Safety must take priority

In agriculture, the long days, strenuous work, harsh weather, and high costs of doing business can take quite a toll on the physical and mental health of individuals. One of the aspects of agriculture that sets it apart from other professions is the potential hazards of the work environment. Machinery and livestock can be unpredictable and often unforgiving. Being alert and careful is not an option, it is a necessity.

Accidents can occur in an instant reports Mary K. Warner, Extension Educator in Red Willow County.

Here is an example of how it could happen: It has been a long day, you are tired and trying to do one more thing before the day ends. You start thinking about tomorrow -- what has to be done, what needs to be fixed, who will do what task and when will it get done. In an instant you're thinking about these things and your attention wanders -- and you have just set the stage for a potential accident. It could be as innocent as missing the step on the tractor as you step down or as deadly as getting too close to a power takeoff shaft or auger intake. When your body and mind are tired, reaction times slow down which multiples the likelihood for an accident.

As business owners and operators, farmers and ranchers often forget that they are their business' most valuable resource. Taking care of that resource is part of taking care of their business. Staying alert, avoiding questionable shortcuts, following all safety procedures, and knowing when to "call it a day" are good management practices ... period.

With the multitude of weather related challenges this year, these management practices are worth remembering.

For further information on farm safety consult the Farmstead Safety Evaluation Guide G1080 available at local University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Offices.

In Red Willow County call (308) 345-3390 or toll free at (877) 674-6947. Other resources include the Farm Crisis Hotline at (800) 464-0258, or on the Internet.