Friday, May 09, 2008

Kim Bearnes
Extension Educator

Planting season can be the most stressful time of year for a farmer, which makes working safely a No. 1 issue.   

During planting season, farmers work long hours, with major time and weather constraints. This increases stress during the season. Farmers can and will work into the night, when reduced visibility requires increased caution. Due to increased stress, farmers may make hasty decisions. If they think before doing something, they will not do something that could be considered dumb in hindsight. 

Crushing injuries tend to be more common during the spring. Farmers will get under a raised planter of field cultivator without using locks or safety stands and hydraulic leakage may cause the implement to trap them. In addition, back injuries can occur when moving bags of seed grain or containers of pesticide or herbicide. People in a hurry take shortcuts, and that is when they get hurt. 

Chemicals also are a safety issue. More and more chemicals are restricted, but those who are licensed need to use good cleaning practices to protect themselves and their families from contamination. Wash hands or use a hand cleaner if water is not available before eating, drinking or smoking. 

Always maintain planters and tractors properly to avoid breakdowns. Preventive maintenance and repairs before planting season minimize unscheduled down time. Well maintained equipment will work properly when it is time to hit the high-intensity time of year. Make sure to check the fields for any washouts, holes or gullies. A season of heavy rain or snow can cause erosion, so it is important to know current condition and topography of all fields. 

Cell phones can be enormously helpful for a farmer in trouble is he or she has coverage. If not, consider using a business band radio to stay in contact with coworkers or family. Let family members know a proposed schedule. Then if a farmer is not home on time, the family will know where to start searching for him or her. 

Always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. That way, the only surprises are good ones.