Fall Harvest Ag Safety Public Service Announcements

PSA’s Written and Provided by John M. Shutske, Ph.D.

Specialist, Biological Systems Engineering

Reviewed in 2016

Note – these ag safety reminders can be tagged: “UW-Extension and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences” in the “fill in the blank” section of each. You can also personalize to fit your own needs and location. Timing on these should be approximately 30 seconds BEFORE the tag line.  If you choose to use these, please send an email to john.shutske@wisc.edu

HARVEST PREPARATION

Fall harvest is one of the busiest times of the year for Wisconsin farm families. It's also one of the most dangerous. Before you begin harvest fieldwork, make sure your combine, augers, trucks, wagons and other equipment are in top condition. Your operator's manual provides the best information for routine preparation. The frustration when a breakdown happens can lead to a serious injury. Take time... ahead of time... to make sure this harvest season is safe and productive. This message is brought to you by ______________________, working with communities to promote a healthy and productive Wisconsin agriculture.

                                                                       

SILO GAS

One of the deadly gases that Wisconsin dairy farmers encounter each year is silo gas, or, nitrogen dioxide. Silo gas forms a few hours after filling any silo. Silo gas is heavier than air, has a yellow-brown hazy appearance, and smells a bit like bleach. Stay out of a freshly-filled silo and any surrounding areas for at least two weeks after it’s been filled. When it is safe to enter, run the blower for at least an hour to assure that the gas has been removed and that there's a fresh supply of clean air. This message is brought to you by ___________________________, working with communities to promote a healthy and productive Wisconsin agriculture.

STRESS AND SAFETY

The busy fall harvest creates tremendous stress for farmers and their families. In fact, farming is recognized as one of the most stressful occupations in America. It’s also one of the most dangerous. During the harvest rush, take time for yourself. It's easier for your body and mind to handle the stress this crunch time creates if you eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest. Take time for your family and friends. One of the best ways to deal with the stress and pressure of farming is to talk openly about it with loved ones and friends. This message is brought to you by _____________________________, working with communities to promote a healthy and productive Wisconsin agriculture.

                                                                       

COMBINE FIRES

During this year's harvest season, a $300 thousand dollar combine can become a smoldering scrap heap in a matter of minutes. Combine and other farm machinery fires are quite common, but also preventable. Make sure your equipment is properly adjusted and maintained. Keep all areas of combines and tractors clean of crop residue and other flammable material buildup. Every combine should also be equipped with at least two ten-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers. This message is brought to you by _____________________________, working with communities to promote a healthy and productive Wisconsin agriculture.