Safety On The Family Farm – Prevention And Cost

CLINTON, MISSOURI

   Farming is one of the most dangerous industries on the face of the planet. And so how to plan to prevent injuries, and understand their costs, must be part of any farm's plans.

   According to research by S. G. Gerberich, R. W. Gibson, and L. R. French, Et al., the majority of injuries (40 percent) were as a result of farm animals. But the research found that other big risk factors were with the operation of tractors and also simply with being male. 

   So there are various factors to consider.

   One basic strategy is to simply walk around your farm on a regular basis and observe any potential safety hazards. Another idea is to make a self-contained play area for the children close to the house to keep them away from dangers. Keep a properly stocked first aid kit, and make sure everyone on the farm is trained in how to use it. It may also be a good idea to keep a log of all accidents that occur, so you can keep track of regularly occurring problems. And, of course, make sure you are using all the appropriate safety equipment on machinery.

   But it is also a good idea to make up an emergency plan. This plan includes keeping all emergency telephone numbers posted.  It also includes instructing everyone on what to do during various types of emergencies. It also involves knowing the routes to various hospitals and emergency locations.

   Hiring temporary help to replace a disabled family member is a possibility but is getting increasingly difficult. Farmers can hire temporary workers through the federal government's H-2A program. This was designed to recruit foreign labor, but this process can be too costly. Instead, some farmers look to their community to find people who have appropriate skills, while others try to reduce workforce by automation. Joe Horner and Ryan Milhollin, from the University of Missouri, have put together The Missouri Farm Labor Guide, which provides useful tips.

   Of course, the hiring of even temporary employees will bite into a farm's already thin margins, and a financial plan could be discussed with a financial counselor, such as the advisors at  AgriLegacy. ∆

   AgriLegacy, “Keeping the Farm in the Family”, www.agrilegacy.com