Agricultural careers have the dubious distinction of being one of the most deadly industries in the U.S. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, every year 22 of every 100,000 farmers suffer fatal farm accident injuries and there are many more non-fatal accidents that often result in serious, and sometimes permanent injuries and disabilities.
To prevent these accidents, it is important that those working in agriculture are aware of important safety measures and they not only promote them but practice them as well. Farmworkers should take advantage of training programs in the area, often provided by equipment dealerships, co-op’s, and farm organizations. Additionally, rushing should be avoided, safety challenges should be assessed, and common sense should be used at all times.
While it is impossible to predict every possible accident scenario, farmers and their workers should begin by observing these 15 safety reminders:
- Do daily safety and maintenance checks on all tractors used to perform farm work.
- Only allow one operator in the seat of the tractor and do not allow extra riders on the tractor, including on fenders, hitches or in loader buckets.
- All farm tractors and any attached or trailing farm equipment must display the triangular, orange Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem.
- All operators of newer tractors equipped with a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS), must also wear the seat belt provided in order to be protected in a backward or sideways flip. Consider retrofitting a ROPS to older tractors that do not have these safety systems in place.
- Never step over a running power take-off (PTO) shaft.
- Be sure all PTO shields and other safety shields are in good condition and properly secured on all farm equipment.
- When work has to be performed on farm equipment, be sure that the PTO has been shut off and the machine has no moving parts.
- Be aware of steep hillsides when harvesting.
- Always wait for a hot engine to cool before attempting to refuel.
- Be sure to match farm equipment/implements to a tractor that is compatible to that equipment/implement under manufacturer recommendations.
- Be cautious around all livestock, especially those that have given birth.
- Be aware of potentially deadly silo gas when chopping and placing corn in an upright silo and other storage areas.
- Be aware of the potential for a deadly outcome when working around or in a grain bin or storage.
- Never trust any hydraulically-raised equipment, including front-end loaders, dump trailers, etc.
- Never start a tractor in a closed garage or shed; keep the area well-ventilated. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas can cause a human and/or animal fatality.
As a Farm Worker, You Have Rights
Agricultural jobs rank as one of the most dangerous in the U.S. If you or a loved one was injured, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances of your accident. Negligence on the part of your employer, machinery manufacturer, landowner, etc. can be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, and the lawyers at America’s Consumer Lawyer will work with you to help determine whether filing a lawsuit is in your best interest and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has suffered an injury or illness due to another’s negligence. We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at the work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 950 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 125 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
