As we highlight National Farm Safety and Health Week, a string of farm-related fatalities in Michigan are a sobering reminder that farming is a dangerous business. Making things potentially more dangerous this year are the stress and fatigue that comes with long hours and a challenging farm economy.
Michigan Farm Bureau’s Craig Anderson wants to make sure that farmers in his state, and across the U.S. are safe while they work.
He says that doing something simple like writing down tasks can help a farmer minimize, or at least recognize, potential risks or injuries.
Anderson also stresses proper equipment operation. It is important to always be cautious when operating heavy or small machinery, and never try to work on a piece of equipment while it is running.
His last tip to help farmers and farm workers stay safe is to make sure that someone knows where you will be working that day.