September 16, 2002

LINCOLN, Neb. — The message doesn't change from one harvest season to the next: Be careful, a University of Nebraska safety engineer said.

But this year, the drought – coupled with poor yields and low farm income – has put farmers under a lot more stress and emotional distraction than usual, which can lead to more farm accidents, said David Morgan, NU safety engineer.

Lack of concentration, stress and reduced coordination contribute to many farm accidents, he said.

"Worries on top of what you're doing divides your focus and can lead to accidents," Morgan said. It's important to get plenty of rest, eat regularly, avoid alcohol and take regular breaks.

"When you need a break, stop and take one," the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist said. "Taking 15 to 20 minutes to relax the body and mind can be invaluable and prevent injury accidents from happening."

Avoid stress associated with broken-down equipment by doing preventive maintenance on machinery, he said.

"Prevention is cheaper than repairing equipment," Morgan said.

The general public also should be aware of farm safety, Morgan said. More farm implements on the road means drivers of non-farm vehicles need to be cautious and share the roads.

"Drivers should slow down when they see they are approaching farm implements because they are generally slow-moving and wider than other vehicles," he said.

Machine operators should have all warning lights, reflectors and slow-moving vehicle signs visible and working. Nebraska law requires slow-moving vehicle signs for vehicles traveling 25 mph or less.

Also keep lights and windows clean, avoid multiple hook-ups, wear seatbelts and use training seats only for training purposes.

With no state regulations on children helping out on the farm – except they cannot be hired before they are age 14 – parents need to make the decision.

"It's not something someone else can tell them," he said. "They need to make the decisions about having their kids do things and understand the consequences."

Adults should set good examples to their children by practicing proper farm safety procedures.

"Farm kids learn from their parents," he said. "They see their parents do something and they follow them, whether it's good or bad."

Proper clothing, including sturdy shoes – steel-toed work shoes rather than tennis shoes – to protect feet and gloves to protect hands, also is important while working on the farm. Avoid tattered and torn clothing or jackets or sweatshirts with drawstrings because they can become entangled, he said.

It's also a good idea for farmers to let family members know their schedule so if something happens, family know where to look. The increased popularity of cell phones and low-cost handheld radios makes it much easier to stay in touch with family members from the field.

09/16/02-KH

David L. Morgan
Biological Systems Engineering
Extension Safety Engineer
(402) 472-2442

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News and Photography
(402) 472-3030

Department: Biological Systems Engineering