Rural road crashes ? they’re preventable from Iowa DOT on Vimeo.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged farmers and those living in and traveling through rural Iowa to stay safe this harvest season. Northey issued the reminder as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week, which runs from September 16 to 22.
?Due to the drought conditions across Iowa,” said Northey, “harvest is entering full swing a couple of weeks sooner than normal, so those working on the farm and those traveling through rural Iowa need to be aware and keep safety in mind.?
Tips for farmers include using the slow moving vehicle emblem on all appropriate tractors and equipment and making sure they are in good shape and visible. Also, be aware of and avoiding flowing grain suffocation hazards while unloading bins and wagons. Retrofitting older tractors with a rollover protective structure (ROP) is another important safety measure.
?It has been a stressful year for everyone involved in agriculture,” Northey said, “but being sure to take the necessary time and think safety throughout harvest will help make sure the year doesn?t take a tragic turn.?
Harvest season is also a time when those traveling through rural Iowa need to be alert to potentially slow-moving equipment, and should be prepared to take a little more time if necessary.
More farm safety information is also available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and from the Iowa Center for Agricultural Safety and Health.
