Manning Regional Healthcare issued the following announcement.
With harvest season quickly approaching, Manning Regional Healthcare Center wants to share important farm safety tips and ensure that area residents are prepared mentally and physically. Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week, according to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.
“In celebration of Farm Safety and Health Week, we want to remind you that farm safety is important for you, your family, friends and neighbors,” shared MRHC Education Coordinator, Julie Hodne, RN.
This fall, MRHC is partnering with local agricultural businesses and will share “Farm Safety Friday” videos every Friday beginning September 24th on their Facebook page. Topics will include safe practices in livestock handling, traffic safety, heavy equipment operation, fertilizer and chemical safety, grain cart and grain bin safety, and health tips from various MRHC departments.
In addition to putting your health and safety first, MRHC also encourages everyone to keep in mind important safety tips for children who visit or live on farms.
- Provide a safe play area
- Remove potential hazards
- Explain farm dangers and emergency response
- Always supervise children
- Do not let them play in or on equipment or touch controls
- Discuss how to get the attention of a tractor operator with your family
- Teach and display safe behaviors around animals, equipment, and farm buildings
- Properly store chemicals or medications
- Ensure that equipment and safety devices are working properly
- Do not leave keys easily accessible
In addition to preparing for a safe harvest season, Hodne reminds farmers that it is just as important to make sure you are physically ready and healthy for the busy months ahead.
“We like to check our farm equipment out yearly - it is equally important to make sure that our bodies are at the top of our game when performing these essential jobs,” said Hodne. “Whether it is crops or animals that we farm, it’s important to take care of our health so that we can perform at our best. This is why it is important not to delay your yearly physical and stay in touch with your primary care physician.”
If you have any concerns about your health or need to schedule a wellness check with one of our trusted experts, call MRHC at (712) 655-2072.
Original source can be found here.
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