Think Safety Before Acting

Ag News / Agent Article
Richard Smith, Saratoga County                                                                                                                      April 2007

     Just last week my neighbors up the road were faced with a nightmare event.  Their son was forced to enter the silo to access the problem why silage wasn’t coming down the chute.  This is not an uncommon occurrence in sub zero weather conditions.  Many of us have been in similar situations throughout the winter months dealing with freezing conditions and the hardships that the elements present farmers.  All to many times we believe it can’t happen to us, but for this neighbor it did. The nightmare occurred when his leg became entangled in the silo unloader.  Thanks, to some very prompt thinking and hard work by the local volunteer fire department and friends, he was freed and taken to the hospital.  He survived this tragic incidence and will recover albeit a lucky guy who will deal daily with this life-altering event.

     This all happened during “Farm Safety Week”, when the awareness for farm safety is promoted across the nation.  Safety can and so often is easily dismissed when farmers’ are struggling through distressing economic periods compounded by difficult weather conditions.  I have even heard the “I’m too busy or have too much to do” excuse.  I know this because I have myself said these same things. I have also had to deal with a safety issue or two in my day, so I speak from experience.

     There is no better time to start practicing safety then “now” and make a conscience effort to add a safety thought every time you start a job on the farm.  Think about safe guarding yourself and that of others.  This will take time but time well spent.  It will in some cases require farms to make some changes in protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP), however very worthwhile changes.  When we institute safe thinking into jobs there is no doubt we will result in more safety awareness.  No one would walk in front of traffic if they stopped to think and accessed that there were cars coming.  That kind of an approach is what we need to add to our protocols and standards of operation.  Another benefit by practicing the “thinking safety before acting” is instilling the same method of operating for your employees.  Make safety part of every farm meeting, equipment-operating workshop, and surely part of all new employee’s orientation.