Farm Safety

Online Rural Emergency Responder Directory

Farms and ranches hold unique dangers, not only for the people who work in these settings, but for emergency personnel who are not familiar with agricultural machinery, chemicals or livestock behavior. Each year this unfamiliarity of farm and ranch

Specialized training and education in farm and rural rescue methods helps first responders sidestep these dangers. That's one reason the clinic's National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety created a first-of-its-kind farm safety rescue directory specifically designed to aid in training first responders in rural areas.

The state-by-state directory lists resources available to communities to help prepare its emergency organizations. For access to the directory via the Internet, log on to www.marshfieldclinic.org/nfmc/pages/default.aspx?page =MCRF-farmrescue.

Prevent Injuries From Chain Saws

While warmer spring temperatures might have you itching to get outside and start clearing brush or fallen trees, don't fire up the chain saw and start cutting just yet. According to the Georgia Farm Bureau, using a chain saw can be five times more dangerous than driving a racecar, due to hazards, such as chain saw kickback, burns, electrocution and loss of control.

Kickback is the reactive force that happens when the nose or tip of the chain saw's guide bar comes into contact with a solid object (like a tree) or is pinched and recoils toward the operator. Chain saws that have been manufactured since 1985 come equipped with at least three anti-kickback features. You can help prevent injuries by wearing protective clothing, including a hard hat, work gloves, long-sleeved shirt and long pants (even in hot weather), sturdy boots or shoes and eye and hearing protection. Eye protection is especially pertinent since an object the size of a pea traveling at 6 mph can cause serious eye damage. Be sure your goggles or safety glasses have adequate top and side protection.

Also, operating a chain saw for longer than 12 minutes without hearing protection can damage your hearing. It is essential to use ear plugs or muffs.

Burning the Candle at Both Ends?

Do you think "rest" is a four-letter word? Studies show that adults in most farm families now work 60 to 70 hours a week--and this often includes jobs off the farm. Most farm families believe that a rest break is the last thing they can afford to take, especially during planting and harvesting seasons. However, fatigue and stress can quickly lead to mistakes and accidents. Consider the following tips from American Family Insurance on ways to build breaks into your workday.

-- Take a 15-minute catnap when you hit a wall of fatigue; it can make the rest of the day easier.

-- Avoid drinking lots of caffeinated drinks during the day. The quick surge of energy is followed by a dramatic drop when the caffeine wears off. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as well.

-- If you find yourself working a lot of 12- to 14-hour days, consider hiring some help to get the crops in.

-- Arrange work exchanges with other farming families or friends. A work exchange allows you to take time off to rest or take care of other duties during non-critical periods while others look after your farm.

Let the Thunder Roll

The winter chill is starting to thaw out and while spring isn't here yet, it's just around the corner, which makes this the perfect time to prepare for springtime thunderstorms.

-- Prepare a complete inventory of your equipment, livestock, feed and other items; photograph and/or videotape them, as well. Your photos and list will be critical when it comes to replacing these items in the event of a loss from a natural disaster. Keep your inventory and photos in a safe or fireproof lockbox.

-- Install lightning rods to direct the power of lightning away from barns and outbuildings to avoid fire.

-- Retrofit commercial and residential buildings with supports to withstand strong winds and flooding.

-- Have a livestock safety plan in the event of flooding or damaging winds.