OKLAHOMA – Every third week of September (September 18-24), the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) leads National Farm Safety and Health Week to emphasize the importance of health and well-being for workers in agriculture. This year, the theme of the week is Protecting Agriculture’s Future.
“OKFB knows that no one works harder than Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers. That’s why we are committed to providing a full line of farm and ranch insurance options and are proud to be the number one writer of farm and ranch policies in the state,” said Gary Buckner, executive vice president and general manager of OKFB Insurance. “By following the lifesaving safety tips shared during Farm Safety and Health Week and ensuring proper insurance coverage, Oklahomans in the agriculture industry can have peace of mind knowing they have taken important steps to being safe and protected.”
Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous times of year for the agriculture industry. OKFB Insurance is sharing tips to keep farm families, workers and others in the industry safe and healthy.
Motor vehicle crashes are among the top reasons workers are injured in agriculture. Ensure your equipment has sufficient lighting, reflective tape and slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs. Set your lights to flash as hazards, have two fire extinguishers in each vehicle and always wear a helmet when operating an ATV or UTV. Lastly, never start your tractor in a closed garage, fasten your seat belts and only operate with one rider per seat.
Wearing proper gear can prevent accidents. Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing to be visible to others. If you are using chemicals, wear proper gloves and respirators. If you are operating large farm equipment, wear hearing protection, eye protection and steel-toed shoes.
Confined spaces can quickly become dangerous without proper procedures. Make sure to ventilate a silo headspace at least 30 minutes before entering to remove concentrations of harmful gases. When working inside a grain bin, always wear a harness and attach it to a second person’s anchored lifeline.
Lastly, keep young children safe by locking barns, putting up ladders and removing keys from vehicles. Following these tips will help protect you, your family and the future of agriculture.
AgriSafe will host two free webinars each day during National Farm Health and Safety Week based on the daily themes of tractor and roadway safety, overall worker health, children and youth, confined spaces, and women’s health. Register to attend by visiting https://www.agrisafe.org/events/.
OKFB’s safety services division offers free programs focused on teaching farm safety, fire safety and a number of other topics. Learn more about OKFB’s safety programs or request one for your community. Visit OKFB Insurance for more information about our Farm & Ranch Insurance or talk to your local OKFB agent today.
About Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance
Since 1946, OKFB Insurance has worked to protect Oklahomans from the risks they face every day, whether it be home, auto, life, commercial or farm & ranch. With agents in all 77 counties, we are ready to serve our neighbors at a moment’s notice and are committed to helping our 140,000+ member families to insure their future. To learn more, visit https://okfbinsurance.com.
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