Clemson Agricultural Safety

Safety Information – June 2021

Gasoline and Diesel Safety Information
Both Gasoline and diesel are flammable liquids. Always store at room temperature away from heat sources. Always store gasoline and diesel in approved and labeled containers and keep containers closed tightly to prevent spills. If minor spills happen, absorb with sawdust, paper, or rags. If major spills occur, contain and collect the spill. Then dispose of it properly. While using gasoline or diesel, always pour outside, never indoors to allow proper ventilation.

Chemical and Pesticide Safety Information
Always store chemicals and pesticides out of reach of children and pets. Never store either near food, animal feed, or medical supplies. Always store chemicals and pesticides in their original containers, never store them in drink bottles. If stored in drink bottles, they may be mistaken for something to drink by a child or other adult. If a pesticide or chemical cannot be determined or age is unknown, dispose of it properly.

Safety Spotlight – June 2021

Sandy Lovern

Hometown: Fort Lawn, SC

Position: Owner of Lovern Greenhouses

“When I was younger, I never thought that agriculture was going to be the path I chose in life, but when I moved to South Carolina, that is where I ended up. I found myself in the greenhouse at my high school, and that is where it all started. I have been involved in horticulture for going on 40 years. Along the way, I have worked in many areas of horticulture. I have worked on golf courses, in greenhouses, at a florist, and done landscaping at amusement parks. Later in life, I decided to open my own business, and I have owned it for 25 years. Through my business, I have gotten to meet very many people involved in agriculture and gotten to experience many great things.”

How did you hear about the Ag Safety program?
I heard about the Ag Safety program from my daughter, who is attending Clemson and works with the Ag Safety program.

How important is it for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe?
I think it is essential for farmers and other people in agriculture to be safe. I feel that the agricultural sector often gets overlooked when it comes to safety and wellbeing, but this should not be the case. If we did not have these vital people, our world as we know it would come to a standstill. Because of this, I feel that safety in agriculture and farming is one of the most important things.

What do you think the biggest concern is regarding agricultural safety?
I think the biggest concern regarding agricultural safety is lawn mower safety. In my hometown, tractors are not very common, but lawnmowers are. Everywhere you look, someone is riding around cutting their grass or others’ grass. Often, those riding the lawnmowers are younger kids just trying to make a few extra dollars. Because of this, I feel that everyone needs to understand how to safely operate a lawnmower to mitigate injuries.

What do you think is the best way to teach agricultural safety?
I think the best way to teach agricultural safety is to have lots of hands-on demonstrations. Growing up, I always learned better when activities were hands-on. When exercises are hands-on, those participating get a real sense of the topic, making it more applicable.

What do you do to stay safe during the workday?
To stay safe during the workday, I always make sure that I understand how to operate the equipment before I begin using it. I was involved in an accident with gas-powered hedge trimmers in my younger days and cut my finger off. After this experience, I always make sure that I am aware of my surroundings and fully understand how to operate my equipment.

Ag Injury News Report – June 2021

Ag Injury News Report

5/06/2021: Fieldworker killed in Kings County after being thrown out of truck, trapped under big rig

5/06/2021: 28-year-old Saginaw man killed in car accident involving a farm tractor

5/05/2021: Two-year-old seriously injured in tractor accident

5/01/2021: SHERIFF: Tractor accident led to shed fire that killed Seward man

5/01/2021: Man injured in tractor accident

4/29/2021: Crews respond to car vs. cow crash

4/28/2021: Young child dies in farming accident near Climbing Hill