Great Opportunity Don’t Overlook It

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

Did you know that agriculture is still the most dangerous industry in America even surpassing the much publicized mining deaths that occurred in 2006?  Concerning the accidental loss of life, tractor-related deaths rank as the number one cause. The Northeast farmer has eight times greater likelihood of work related death than the average American worker.

            Last year, the pressure and financial demands of farming have only increased, and farmers tend to be preoccupied with cash flow issues thus causing them to overlook items that are not necessities to operating these older tractors, namely safety features. Now there is an effort underway that could go a long way towards helping agriculture reduce these staggering statistics.

The New York Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (NYCAMH) just received a grant to facilitate the retrofitting of tractors with Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS).  This grant is directed at providing ROPS, and equally as importantly, seatbelts to reduce tractor rollover deaths.

     Dr. John May, Director of NYCAMH, announced the opportunity for farmers in the Northeast to apply for a retrofit ROPS for their older tractors, and the grant will rebate them 70% of the cost not to exceed $600.  The toll free number to start the retrofitting into action is 877-767-7748.

     This is a great chance for area farmers to avail themselves of ROPS and seatbelts that has been shown to be 99% effective in preventing injury and death in the event of a tractor overturn.  I’m willing to bet each of us knows of a farm family that has been touched by a tractor related roll over.  I would also add my own suggestion that area farm families take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard our loved ones and workers.  Learn to always buckle up properly because it is the seatbelt in combination with the ROPS that makes this safeguard so efficient.  I wish you all a very happy and safe new year!