Month: May 2023

Questions

1. True or False: children at least 15 years in age can be employed on farming operations.
2. Children should only ride as passengers on equipment if _____________________________.
3. True or False: children should never ride as a passenger on a lawnmower.
4. Where should chemicals and pesticides be stored?
5. At what age can a child operate self-propelled equipment?

Answers

1. False
2. A buddy seat is present
3. True
4. Out of reach of children or others visiting the farm
5. 13 years old

Child and Public Safety

Every year thousands of children and general public individuals visit farms during the summer months. It is important to take the correct precautions to prevent injury to those who are not on farms full-time.

Laws to know:
It is illegal for children under the age of 13 to operate any self-propelled machinery, such as tractors. Youth under the age of 16 are not legally allowed to be employees in a farming operation. Also, employees that are under the age of 18 must go through a risk assessment process to ensure that they possess the required competencies to complete tasks safely.

Passengers on Farm Equipment:
Most farm equipment is only designed to carry one passenger, the operator. In the event of a “buddy seat” one additional passenger may be carried. Children should never ride as passengers on lawnmowers. Lawnmowers are only designed to carry one passenger, the operator. Children riding on lawnmowers with an operator risk falling off the lawnmower and subsequently being run over.
Agritourism has become a very large part of South Carolina’s agricultural sector. Youth and others from the public often visit farms for festivals and “you-pick” events. If others are riding in a trailer, always ensure that the rails are secure and that secure seating is available. It is also important to ensure a safe mounting and dismounting location from the trailer.

General Risks on the Farm:
Children and others who are not always on farms are generally curious about the area. Always ensure that chemicals and pesticides are stored in safe locations that children can not get into. Also, always ensure that grain bins and other grain storage areas are not accessible to others. Grain often looks like a fun place to play for children, and they often do not understand the risks that are associated with grain that is stored. Finally, ensure that all other workers are aware that children and others are present on the farm. It is important that everyone knows where they are to keep an out for them.

Ag Injury News Report

4/16/2023: St. Charles boy, 5, killed in tractor accident
4/13/2023: Hay Bale Fire and Propane Tank Explosion Near Newkirk
4/12/2023: 58-year-old hospitalized after hitting a tractor near Clio
4/12/2023: Tractor accident claims life of 90-year-old rural Patoka man
4/10/2023: Explosion at Texas dairy farm kills nearly 20,000 cattle, critically injures 1 person
4/9/2023: Juvenile dies after side-by-side strikes deer in Knox County, sheriff’s office says
4/9/2023: Man arrested for OWI after running over woman with tractor

Questions

1. True or false: Voltage is highest at the source if there is a down powerline.
2. What should you do if a fire sparks after you hit a powerline with a piece of equipment?
3. How far should you stay back from a down powerline?
4. What can happen if you step on two different voltages at the same time?
5. How does electricity like to flow?

Answers

1. True
2. Jump from the cab of the equipment, never touching the side of the equipment. Once on the ground, “bunny hop” away from the down powerline to safety.
3. 33 feet
4. You may be electrocuted.
5. Electricity likes to flow from areas of high concentration/voltage to areas of low concentration/voltage.

Electrical Safety

Overhead powerlines can present many issues when moving equipment. The most common issues arise when moving grain augers, bale elevators, and other tall equipment. Steps to prevent equipment from coming in contact with overhead powerlines are to lower the equipment, if possible, or contact your local power company and inquire about raising the height of the powerline.

General Safety Tips

Always remember to look up before operating your equipment. Almost half of all powerline contact happens with large equipment.

If you see a down powerline, stay back at least 33 ft. If you hit a down powerline with your car, do not get out of your car. Call 911 immediately to report the down line.

If you strike a powerline while operating equipment, remain calm and if possible back away from the powerline. Remain inside the cab of your piece of equipment. If a fire starts, jump from the cab of the equipment. Ensure that you do not touch the equipment while you are exiting. Once you have reached the ground, “bunny hop” away from the equipment, until you are 33 ft away.

Step Potential

Step potential is the voltage difference between one step. Voltage is the highest at the source and fades as you go out. Stepping on two different voltages at the same time may electrocute you. Electricity, like heat, likes to travel from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. If you step on two different voltages, the higher voltage area uses you as a conductor to move energy into the lower voltage area.

Ag Injury News Report

4/9/2023: Man hospitalized following tractor crash in Farmersville
4/6/2023: Barneveld boy, 13, dies after UTV crash into river, Iowa County authorities say
4/6/2023: 1 injured after tree crashes down on farm in Westport
4/4/2023: Vancouver man killed in tractor accident east of Washougal
4/3/2023: Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital following crash with farm vehicle
3/31/2023: Simcoe County potato farmer killed in equipment accident
3/31/2023: Woman jogging injured by charging cow that escaped nearby farm