12/22/2023: 2 year old fatally injured, run over by grain wagon on farm
10/29/2023: Upper Macungie man, 72, dies after falling off of grain bin
10/24/2023: Deputies: 2-year-old dead after he was run over by a tractor in Clermont County
10/23/2024: Brush fire near Alexandria area causes one death
10/19/2023: Missouri teen injured after farm truck overturns
Clemson Agricultural Safety
Safe Load – January 2024
Safe Load
When moving equipment and other agricultural items on trailers, there are many things that should be considered to protect yourself, others on roadways, and the equipment. Below, you will find some helpful information to check before taking your load on the road.
Tiedown Maintenance
- Ensure that your chosen tiedown mechanism is free of knots, damage, and that there are no weakened parts or sections. Any of these can decrease the integrity of the tiedown mechanism and make it unsafe for use.
Choosing the Correct Securement System
- Before you begin strapping your cargo in place, ensure that you have selected a securement system that is appropriate for not only the size of the cargo but also its weight and shape.
- When securing cargo, ensure that tie-downs are placed symmetrically over the entire length of the cargo to limit any shifting of the cargo.
- Always determine the WLL (Working Load Limit) of the securement system before securing your cargo. WLL is the maximum load that may be applied to the securement system and is determined by the manufacturer.
- If you are transporting 10,000 lbs or less, you must use at least two tie-downs. One should be placed at the front and one placed at the rear of the load. Even if you use a securement system with a WLL of 2,000 lbs and your cargo is only 1,000 lbs, you must still use two tie-downs.
- If you are transporting more than 10,000 lbs, you must use a minimum of four tie-downs, and their WLLs added together must be half the weight of your load. This ensures that your load is properly secured and will not shift during transportation.
Common Securement Equipment
- 1-inch Ratchet Strap: Use to secure loads less than 400 lbs
- 2-inch Ratchet Strap: Use to secure loads less than 2,000 lbs
- Ratchet Chain Binder: Use when securing larger loads such as vehicles or equipment. This securement system is easy to tighten and loosen but will not self-loosen.
- Lever Action Binder: This securement device should not be used on highways. The level has the potential to swing open, resulting in your load no longer being secure. Exercise caution when using this securement device.
Winter Roadway Safety – December 2023
Winter Roadway Safety
With colder temperatures ahead of us this season, it is important to remember to be alert for snowy or icy roads. Icy roads can be very dangerous and affect your ability to keep control of your vehicle. Always remember to be on the lookout for wet areas that may have black ice that is not visible. Black ice is a thin layer of clear ice that may be difficult to see, especially during night. Icy spots are commonly found before and after bridges, in shady areas, and on/off ramps.
Things to remember when operating your vehicle in winter weather:
- When behind another vehicle, reduce your speed and leave ample room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. During winter weather, it takes longer to stop your vehicle, making it imperative that you level extra room.
- When braking, gently press your brakes. Only apply full pressure to your brakes if you have anti-locking brakes (ABS). If you do not have ABS, gently pump the pedal to come to a stop.
- Never assume that your vehicle can handle all winter weather conditions. Even if you have four-wheel drive, you still may encounter trouble while operating your vehicle in winter conditions.
- If your vehicle begins to skid, remove your foot from the accelerator and steer in the direction that you are skidding. This will help you overcome the skid and regain control of your vehicle.
- If you get stuck in snow, do not repeatedly spin your wheels. This will cause you to become more stuck. Instead, gently press the accelerator and ease out if possible. If you must be pulled out of the snow, never use a chain. The tension on the chain may cause it to snap and sling forward into the vehicle pulling you out. Instead, use a tow strap made of cloth.
Winter Roadway Safety Quiz – December 2023
Questions
1. When is it most difficult to see where black ice is on a roadway?
2. Where are some common places where black ice is found on roadways?
3. If your vehicle is equipped with ABS, what should you do when applying the brakes?
4. True or False: If you begin to skid, you should steer away from the direction that you are skidding.
5. True or False: If your vehicle is stuck, you should never use a chain to pull your vehicle out because it could snap.
Answers
1. At night
2. Before and after bridges, in shady areas, and on/off ramps
3. Apply full pressure to your brakes.
4. False, you should steer in the direction of the skid.
5. True, you should only use a tow strap to pull out a stuck vehicle.
Ag Injury News Report – December 2023
10/17/2023: Tractor rollover results in Odon man’s death
10/16/2023: Cherokee County man killed in tractor accident, coroner says
10/11/2023: IA Farmer Dies in Grain Bin Entrapment
10/11/2023: Stark County man, 65, dies after machinery overturns during pond construction
10/10/2023: Seminary boy critically injured in ATV accident
10/10/2023: Child buried up to head in corn-filled grain bin rescued in Pennsylvania
10/9/2023: Combine Driver Dies After Train Collision Near Firth
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – November 2023
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Many people experience mood changes or where they do not really feel like themselves when the seasons change and the weather begins to get colder. This is especially common in the farming community because being outside in the sun and warmer weather is part of a farmer’s livelihood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also commonly known as seasonal depression is common among all walks of life and is often attributed to the shorter days and colder weather. While seasonal depression can look different for everyone, some common symptoms of SAD are oversleeping, overeating and weight gain, and social withdrawal.
Tips to curb your seasonal depression:
- Only try to control what you can. Sometimes, a bad day on the farm can make you feel like you have a bad life. Always try to see the bright side and remember that these colder and shorter days will soon end with the coming of Spring.
- Limit your intake of social media and news outlets. When the days get shorter, many are forced to spend more time inside consuming news and media. This can cause you to look differently on your life and make you feel like your life, farm, or family is less than the others around you. Remember that social media is not always true and keep a positive outlook on what is in front of you.
- Find something to look forward to in both the short-term and long-term. Look for both little and big things that keep your mind off the weather and daylight. This can help keep you out of a slump in the colder months and give you a reason to keep progressing forward.
- Take time to socialize during the off months of farming. This time of the year is perfect for you, your family, and your friends to spend quality time together that is so often missed during the busy farming season. This also gives you something to look forward to and, once again, keeps you mind off of sadness.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz – November 2023
Questions
1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also commonly known as ___________ _____________.
2. What are the three common symptoms of SAD?
3. What are the two main causes of SAD?
4. True or False: Finding little and big things to look forward to during the colder months can help curb SAD.
5. True or False: You should consume as much news and social media during the colder months because everything you see is true and your life is not as good as those around you.
Answers
1. Seasonal Depression
2. Oversleeping, overeating and weight gain, and social withdrawal are three common symptoms of SAD.
3. Shorter days and colder weather are two main causes of SAD.
4. True
5. False
Ag Injury News Report – November 2023
9/3/2023: Man, 55, dies in central Pa. farm accident: farm worker was discovered deceased in a silo unloading chute.
8/30/2023: Update: Milford crash leaves one dead, injures another
8/29/2023: Child Dead After Garvin County All-Terrain Vehicle Crash, OHP Says
8/26/2023: Authorities ID Man Killed in Bull Attack at Minnesota Farm
8/25/2023: Names released in Lincoln County fatal car versus tractor crash
8/24/2023: Car wreck involving tractor in Knox County sends one to the hospital
8/21/2023: Iowa man dies after being struck by tractor
Harvest Safety Quiz – October 2023
Questions
1. Before attaching or detaching your PTO, you should do what?
2. What are the three things that should be done or checked before traveling on a roadway?
3. If your machine is equipped with a ROPS, what should you do?
4. True or False: Taking rest, having adequate meals, and having a good night’s rest do not affect your ability to stay alert.
5. Before allowing youth to complete a task, what should you do?
Answers
1. Always turn the machine off before attaching or detaching your PTO.
2. Ensure that all lights are working properly, the slow-moving vehicle sign is on and visible, and that the left and right brakes are locked together.
3. Always wear your seatbelt if the equipment has a ROPS or cab.
4. False
5. Ensure that they are properly trained and that the task is suitable for their size and skill set.
Ag Injury News Report – October 2023
8/17/2023: Iowa Co. man flown to hospital after being hit by bull
8/16/2023: Huron County man, 81, seriously injured when tractor runs over him
8/15/2023: Humphrey man dies in grain bin accident east of Lindsay
8/12/2023: Ag Briefs: 85 year old Eldorado man dies in farm accident
8/9/2023: 3 Floridians dead after falling into cistern while hog hunting
8/6/2023: Man dead in tractor rollover crash on violini road
8/5/2023: 64-year-old Mississippi man killed in tractor accident
