Harvest season is here. Given Ohio’s agricultural industry, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know works on a farm. If so, make sure that they take care: a recent article reports that farm-related fatalities have been steadily increasing. “[T]he data shows the most prevalent cause of death on Ohio farms to be tractors and machinery, followed by grain handling fatalities, all-terrain vehicles and skid loaders/forklifts.”
Staying Vigilant on the Job
Complacency around farm equipment and in the field can be deadly. The vast majority of farm-related fatalities stem from operating tractors and machinery. However, there are plenty of ways something can go wrong. The article reports that grain-handling fatalities are common—to say nothing of the three brothers who were killed by falling into a manure pit.
It’s easy to be complacent, however, especially when you’ve done your job for years. Farmers may not view their jobs as particularly dangerous. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to lose track of safety precautions when your brain goes into autopilot.
Anyone who works on a farm should take special care to follow all safety precautions. To avoid causing injury to yourself and others, stay vigilant. If you are injured—whether on the job or as a result of someone’s negligence—contact a personal injury or workers’ compensation attorney right away.
Proposed Safety Changes for Agricultural Workers
OSHA is not allowed to inspect farms with fewer than ten workers, which can lead to some serious safety oversights. Even if you run or work on a small family farm, make it your goal to comply with OSHA standards regardless. OSHA offers safety training and education for agricultural workers, so be sure to take advantage of these offerings. They even offer safety training for young children, to instill healthy practices early.
Other farms and organizations are trying different training methods. Tailgate training—which involves short and frequent training sessions—is one way to make safety training easier to incorporate into operations. It also keeps the information fresh in workers’ minds.
Finally, there are trainings with the safety equipment itself. One county is implementing a way to show workers how to use the grain bin safety equipment—and the opportunity to experience what it’s like to become trapped in thousands of pounds of grain. There’s no better way to stress the importance of safety measures.
Discuss Your Case with an Ohio Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you or your loved one has been injured on a farm, call an attorney right away. Whether you need to file a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.614.9524 for a consultation, and we’ll work to get what you deserve.
