 |
|
|
NATIONAL FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK IS SEPT. 16-22
 | | Franklin County farm Orval Pounders knows first-hand the importance of farm safety. He was injured in a farm accident in 2008. Find more information on his story in the October issue of Neighbors. |
During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 16-22, the Alabama Farmers Federation encourages farmers and others working in agriculture to be mindful of safe farm practices.
According to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, agriculture ranks as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. In 2010 alone, agriculture attributed to 596 deaths and 70,000 disabling injuries.
“Farm safety training is something few people think they need, until it’s too late,” said Dr. Jesse LaPadre, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) agricultural safety coordinator. “Farm safety has to be top-of-mind all the time. Otherwise, you’ll get in a big hurry, and that’s when bad things happen.”
LaPadre said 90 percent of all farm fatalities are avoidable, and nearly half of the fatalities are attributed to tractors.
LaPadre offers personal training for groups of Alabama farmers interested in developing thorough farm safety management plans. He also performs self-hazard analyses at individual farms.
ACES provides resources for farmers to develop their own farm safety plans. Visit www.ACES.edu/FarmSafety for tips on staying safe around machinery, animals, tools, electrical equipment and fire.
To setup a presentation with LaPadre, call (334) 844-5533.
|
|
More Headlines...
