Farm Women's Safety Workshop - Discussion and Activity Guide

  • Field, William E.

INTRODUCTION:

Farming in Indiana has been changing during the past few years at a rate that almost takes your breath away. Prices for land, machinery and essential services in comparison to agricultural prices have become almost unmanageable for many farm families. Pressures to stay on the cutting edge of new developments and to maximize the resources of land, capital, labor, time and now energy has forcefully reshaped the traditional Indiana farm family.

For farm women, especially, the times have brought about significant changes in lifestyles and the nature of responsibilities many have assumed in the operation of the farm business. In a growing number of instances grandmothers, wives, mothers and daughters are being called upon to assist in areas of the farm operation that were traditionally viewed as "man's work." In addition to their already taxing and challenging responsibilities in the home, more faun women appear to be taking on the roles of part-time truck drivers, grain haulers, tractor drivers, and machinery operators.

These new roles, many of which are extremely hazardous, are often assumed by farm women with little or no previous experience or training which greatly increases the risks and likelihood of personal injury. Farming is already one of Indiana's most dangerous occupations and for the inexperienced or untrained part-time worker, man or woman, carrying out hazardous farm operations, regardless of how good the intentions are, can result in tragedy. Therefore, it is the purpose of the Farm Women's Safety Workshop to better equip farm women to safely and efficiently deal with areas of the farm operation that they might be unfamiliar with and that can present special hazards to them. It is also hoped that farm women who participate in the workshop will become more effective at influencing the men in their lives, (husbands, sons, fathers, etc.), who operate farm machinery and perform other hazardous farm tasks to become more safety conscious.

Topics to be covered in the workshop through the use of presentations, demonstrations, publications and audio-visual materials will include:

    I. Review of the Farm Accident Problem in Indiana
    II. The Cost of Non-fatal Accidents
    III. Fundamental Causes of Fatal Farm Accidents
    IV. Safe Operation of Farm Tractors
    V. Identifying and Avoiding Hazards on Selected Pieces of Farm Machinery
    VI. Grain Handling Safety
    VII. Handling Farm Chemicals Safely (optional, depending upon time and interest)

I. REVIEW OF THE FARM ACCIDENT PROBLEM IN INDIANA

In 1976 Purdue University carried out a survey1 of counties to learn more about the circumstances surrounding non-fatal, farm--related accidents. According to the survey findings:

    - There was about on accident reported for every nine farms surveyed.
    - Eighty-seven percent of all reported farm-related accidents involved members of farm families.
    - Slips and falls were the most common types of accidents reported.
    - Ninety percent of all reported accidents occurred under ideal conditions; clear, dry, calm days.
    - The months of June, July and September had the highest number of accidents.
    - Accidents were most likely to happen just before lunch and late afternoon.
    - Arms and legs were the most frequently injured parts of the body.
    - In 31 percent of the reported accidents first aid was administered by either the accident victim or a related family member.
    - Approximately 61 percent of all accidents reported in the survey involved broken bones, cuts or lacerations requiring medical attention.
    - Those 65 years of age and older had the highest number of reported accidents per 1,000 persons.
    - The under 14 age bracket had about 180 accidents per million hours worked. This is more than three times as many as the 25-44 age group.

Besides slips and falls the study also found that the leading accident-causing items around the farm ware:

    -Livestock
    -Farm machinery with the exception of tractors
    -Hand and power tools

If the information gathered from the 10 counties were projected over the state's approximately 95,000 farms, the survey suggests that more than 10,500 non-fatal, farm-related accidents occurred during 1976. Of this number it is further estimated that more than 6,000 of the accident victims required emergency medical treatment because of broken bones, internal injuries, burns and lacerations.

Even though the majority of the accidents investigated in the study were work related, a farm family's participation in recreational activities, on and off the farm, contributed to a significant number of serious accidents. As leisure time is used in more sophisticated ways with snowmobiles, motor boats and motorcycles, the possibility of an accident increase. Also, the figures suggest that once a farm family is away from the hazards found on the farm, they may relax and neglect the hazards associated with play.

One encouraging finding of the 1976 farm accident study was the reduction in the accident rate or number of farm accidents per million hours worked between 1970 and 1976. A continued decline in farm population, modern, safer farm equipment, and effective safety education programs, all contributed to the lower accident rate.

II. THE COST OF NON-FATAL FARM ACCIDENTS

Again using the 1976 farm accident study, an estimate of costs of non-fatal farm accidents was computed. Using the average of the approximate costs reported in the survey, it was estimated that a farm accident cost the farm family $373.00 in 1976. Taking into consideration a modest inflation rate of 10 percent per year this figure approaches $550.00 today. This cost includes only direct expenses for medical care, repair or replacement of property and replacement labor. Indirect costs for such items as travel to obtain medical treatment, increased insurance rates, and lost productivity can significantly increase the cost of a farm accident.

Projecting the accident cost figures over the entire state the findings suggest that non-fatal farm accidents cost Indiana farmers nearly $4,000,000 in direct costs during 1976, which potentially might be as high as $6,000,000 today.

III. FUNDAMENTAL CAUSES OF FATAL FARM ACCIDENTS

For more than 15 years an arrangement has been maintained with the Indiana State Board of Health whereby copies of death certificates reporting farm-related fatalities have been provided to the Extension safety specialist at Purdue for analysis. Between 1973 and 1976, 199 death certificates were received and cataloged.

This four-year summary of fatalities does not include those deaths caused by automobile, truck or other highway vehicle accidents, accidents away from the farm resulting from leisure activities and deaths resulting from mishaps in the home. Furthermore, because of present reporting techniques, deaths that could have been attributed to un-diagnosed pesticide poisoning, exposure to silo gas, heart attacks and strokes caused by over exertion and heat, and sicknesses caused by exposure to livestock are not reported in the manner they possibly should be.

Indiana Farm-Related Fatalities, 1973-1976.

                  Number      Percent
     Cause        reported   of total
------------------------------------------
Tractors             97         48.8
Farm machinery       40         20.1
Falls                15          7.6
Smothering or
 asphyxiation        13          6.5
Cutting or
 trimming trees      11          5.5
Electrocution         4          2.0
Fires and burns       4          2.0
Drowning              3          1.5
Train crossing        1          0.5
Livestock             1          0.5
Other                10          5.0
----------------------------------------
   TOTAL            199          100%
---------------------------------------

Of real concern should be the finding that of the 154 tractor and machinery-related deaths which happened between 1973 and 1976, 25 were children under the age of 14 including 9 under 4 years. As long as the practice of carrying an "extra rider" on farm machinery continues to be accepted by many Indiana farm families there undoubtedly will be little reduction in this type of accident. Even tractor cabs, which appear as safe places to babysit small children or to provide an older child with a place to ride along, presents risks which a family should carefully consider before permitting the practice. For there is probably nothing that can destroy or tear apart a farm family quicker or more permanently than the tragic loss of a little one because of a needless farm accident.

IV. SAFE OPERATION OF FARM TRACTORS

A. Audio-Visual presentation on Safe Tractor Operation

As you watch the film, "Agricultural Tractor Safety"2, which is to be presented at this time, see if you can correctly answer the following questions. At the completion of the film showing, the questions will be used as a basis for further discussion. Circle TRUE or FALSE:

1.  TRUE or FALSE:  Most fatal farm machinery accidents involve tractors.

2.  TRUE or FALSE:  The majority of farm machinery accidents are
                    caused by improper machine design.

3.  TRUE or FALSE:  Accidents cause more deaths to young people
                    between the ages of 15 and 24 than all other
                    causes combined.

4.  TRUE or FALSE:  ROPS on tractors help prevent tractor roll overs.

5.  TRUE or FALSE:  Loads being towed by a tractor should only be
                    attached to the drawbar.

6.  TRUE or FALSE:  All new farm tractors and machinery are designed
                    so that hearing protection for the operator
                    is not required.

7.  TRUE or FALSE:  Tractor engines should never be run in an enclosed
                    area such as a machinery building with the doors
                    closed.

8.  TRUE or FALSE:  Then operating a tractor on the highway both brakes
                    should be locked together.

9.  TRUE or FALSE:  The SMV emblem can be used on farm equipment to
                    replace other warning devices such as reflectors
                    and tail lamps.

10. TRUE or FALSE:  The primary reason for shutting off a tractor
                    engine while refueling is to conserve fuel.


See last page for answers.

B.  Tractor Activity Checklist

     Using the assigned tractor work stations, complete the following
activity checklist which is designed to assist you in identifying
potential hazards and to batter understand the safety aspects of each
tractor.  If you have any questions ask the resource person located at
each work station.

1.  On the tractors at each work station inspect for the following hazards
    which have the potential for causing a personal injury.

blkb

Tractor   Tractor    Tractor

  #1        #2        #3

______    _______    _______  1. Trash or tools on platform

______    _______    _______  2. Fuel system leaks

______    _______    _______  3. PTO master shield missing

______    _______    _______  4. Faulty muffler

______    _______    _______  5. Unevenly adjusted brakes

______    _______    _______  6. Dirty or faded SMV emblem

______    _______    _______  7. Improper tire inflation

______    _______    _______  8. Broken or non-functioning
                                  headlights, tail lights and
                                  reflectors

______    _______    _______  9.  Missing hazard-alert sym-
                                  bols and  safety decals

______    _______    _______  10. Key left in the ignition

Others (describe): _________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

2. Locate the following safety items on the tractor at each of the work stations. (In the process of completing this activity, compare the number of safety items found on the newest tractor with the number found on the oldest tractor)

Tractor    Tractor   Tractor

 #1          #2        #3

______    _______    _______  1.  ROPS

______    _______    _______  2.  SMV emblem

______    _______    _______  3.  Hazard-alert symbols and
			          safety decals

______    _______    _______  4.  PTO master shield

______    _______    _______  5.  Protective PTO shaft shield

______    _______    _______  6.  Neutral start switch

______    _______    _______  7.  Tail lights and reflectors

______    _______    _______  8.  Hand holds and steps

______    _______    _______  9.  Fire extinguisher

______    _______    _______  10.  First-aid kit

______    _______    _______  11.  Adjustable seat

______    _______    _______  12.  Safety hitch pin

3. Locate the following gauges and meters on the tractor at each of the assigned work stations.

   Tractor    Tractor   Tractor

     #1         #2        #3

   _______   _______    ________  1.  Fuel level indicator

   _______   _______    ________  2.  Coolant temperature gauge

   _______   _______    ________  3.  Engine oil pressure gauge

   _______   _______    ________  4.  Electrical ammeter or generator light

   _______   _______    ________  5.  Transmission oil temperature
                                      gauge

   _______   _______    ________  6.  Air cleaner restriction light

   _______   _______    ________  7.  Engine hour meter

   _______   _______    ________  8.  Engine RPM indicator

4. On the tractor at each work station locate and operate each of the following controls.

   Tractor    Tractor   Tractor

      #1        #2        #3

   _______   _______    ________  1.  Start switch

   _______   _______    ________  2.  Engine throttle lever

   _______   _______    ________  3.  Fuel shut-off control on diesel tractors

   _______   _______    ________  4.  Light switches

   _______   _______    ________  5.  Seat adjustments

   _______   _______    ________  6.  Clutch petal

   _______   _______    ________  7.  Brakes and brake locks

   _______   _______    ________  8.  PTO activating lever

   _______   _______    ________  9.  Three-point lift control
                                       lever

   _______   _______    ________  10. Remote hydraulic ram control
                                      levers

   _______   _______    ________  11. Differential lock mechanism

V. IDENTIFYING AND AVOIDING HAZARDS ON SELECTED PIECES OF FARM MACHINERY The moving parts of any machine, whether they are on a baler, combine, manure spreader or even a lawnmower, are faster and more powerful than you are. These crushing, pinching and cutting parts are also no respector of age, sex or income bracket. A high speed blade on a sickle bar can slice off a finger faster than you can think about it. The power shaft on a forage harvester can grab loose clothing and with a force hundreds of times greater than all your physical strength entangle you into a certain death trap.

It is tremendously important that all who work with farm machinery develop and continually maintain a conscious respect for its potential of causing injury. The Scriptural reference to "pride coming before the fall" is truly applicable to those who work with farm machinery. For as soon as the user lets down their guard or becomes over confident, trouble is certain to be on the way.

As you are assisted in identifying potential hazards on the various pieces of farm machinery at each of the work stations, be on the alert for the following items:

1. Safety Decals

2. Safety Hitch Pins

3. Moving Parts That Can Entangle

4. Moving Parts That Can Shear

5. Moving Parts That Can Pinch

VI. GRAIN HANDLING SAFETYA considerable number of suffocations end entrapments in flowing grain have taken place during the last few years. A recent Purdue study3 identified 61 separate incidences of flowing grain entrapment or suffocation in which 38 Indiana farmers or members of their families died. Over 40 percent of the suffocations involved young children.

While viewing the slide-tape presentation4 on the hazards of flowing grain make an attempt to answer the following questions. The questions will be used as a basis for discussion following the presentation. Circle TRUE or FALSE:

1.  TRUE or FALSE:  There is no good excuse for entering a grain
                    bin with the unloading equipment operating.

2.  TRUE or FALSE:  Entrapment in flowing grain can occur in as
                    little as 2 or 3 seconds.

3.  TRUE or FALSE:  The only hazard caked or spoiled grain presents
                    is from inhalation of mold and dust.

4.  TRUE or FALSE:  Illness caused by inhalation of moldy grain dust
                    is only temporary and should not be considered
                    serious.

5.  TRUE or FALSE:  Dust masks that are effective for providing
                    protection from grain dust are readily
                    available in most farming communities.

6.  TRUE or FALSE:  Grain bins should be "off-limits" to children
                    at all times.

7.  TRUE or FALSE:  Grain wagons and grain hauling trucks are an
                    unlikely place for a flowing grain accident
                    to happen.

8.  TRUE or FALSE:  The use of ropes and ladders suspended from the
                    ceilings of grain bins have been proven as
                    effective safety devices to prevent grain bin
                    accidents.

9. List four reasons why flowing grain accidents occur on modern Indiana farms.

    a.


    b.


    c.


    d.

10. List four possible preventive measures a farm family could take to reduce the possibility of a flowing-grain accident.

    a.



    b.




    c.




    d.



See last pages for answers.

VII. HANDLING FARM CHEMICALS SAFELY (optional, depending upon time)

In one respect, farm chemicals are similar to farm women in that it is common to see men who work with both quickly take each for granted. In both cases this situation can lead to a pile of trouble. (Since this workshop is dealing primarily with farm safety and not interpersonal or marital relationships we'll attempt to keep our focus on the safe use of farm chemicals.)

Farmers use thousands of chemicals to control a wide variety of pests that reduce the productivity of agricultural crop land and livestock and to protect farm products once they are produced. The risk to health and life may be substantial if these farm chemicals are handled carelessly.

Even though there have been very few deaths from the use of farm chemicals it is believed that many non-lethal reactions to farm chemicals go unreported or are ignored by farm families. In some cases accidental exposure to certain farm chemicals can result in symptoms that could easily be passed off as a stomach upset or a "bad case of nerves" during a busy planting period. It is most important that members of farm families, especially farm wives, be keenly aware of not only the symptoms of acute exposure to certain toxic chemicals but also the chronic or long term effects that chemicals may have.

One chemical that is widely used in Indiana as a fertilizer is anhydrous ammonia. This chemical can present some real hazards to the uninformed user. Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia can result in serious injury, blindness or even death. Because of the tremendous amount of anhydrous ammonia used in Indiana and it's potential to cause injury, information on its safe handling and use is included in the Farm Women's Safety Workshop.

As you view the next film presentation5 covering anhydrous ammonia safety be alert for tips that you could pass along to those in your family who might be involved with the use of this chemical. Use the following questions as a guide.

1. Why is anhydrous ammonia hazardous to handle?



2. Why is an emergency supply of water so important?


3. What personal protective equipment should be used at all times when handling anhydrous ammonia?


4. What are the proper first-aid procedures for victims injured by anhydrous ammonia?

VIII. CONCLUSION

No one program, regardless of how well it is carried out, will make you safe and proficient at handling all hazardous farm related tasks. Hopefully today's workshop allowed you to develop a few new skills, become aware of hazards that you didn't realize existed before and sharpened your desire to encourage your family to become more safety conscious.

There are a number of safety publications available on a wide variety of topics which you might find useful in assisting your family members to become inure aware of specific farm hazards. Feel free to inquire about them at your county Extension office or contact the Extension Safety Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907.

HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME.


Answers

IV.-A.  Audio-Visual Presentations on Safe Tractor Operations


    1.   (TRUE),  2.  (FALSE),  3.  (TRUE),  4.   (FALSE), 5.  (TRUE),
    6.   (FALSE), 7.  (TRUE),   8.  (TRUE),  9.   (FALSE), 10. (FALSE).


VI. Audio-Visual Presentation on Hazards of Flowing Grain

    1.   (TRUE), 2.   (TRUE),   3.  (FALSE), 4.  (FALSE),  5.  (TRUE),
    6.   (TRUE), 7.   (FALSE),  8.  (FALSE).

     9.  (harvesting, handling and storing of shelled corn), (more
         on-farm storage) , (larger bins), (greater handling capacity)
         and (year-round storage of grain)

     10. (warn all family members of the hazards of flowing grain)
         (put warning signs on bins and wagons) , (prohibit children
         from entering bins and riding in grain wagons), and (have
         two people present when grain is being unloaded from bins)


VII.  Audio-Visual Presentation on Anhydrous Ammonia

     1.  (anhydrous ammonia is a strong alkali which is transported,
         stored and handled under pressure)

     2.  (water is the only effective first-aid treatment for
         exposure to anhydrous ammonia).

     3.  (chemical-type goggles) and (rubber gloves).

     4.  (Flood affect areas with water for 15 minutes), (remove
         contact lens if present) , (remove contaminated clothing)
         and (seek medical attention)

Footnotes

    1 "A Summary of the 1976 Indiana Farm Accident Survey with a Brief Analysis of Fatalities on Indiana Farms, 1973-1976", Field and Bailey, Purdue University, (available by request)
    2 "Agricultural Tractor Safety", Purdue University, 1976, (available through Purdue's Audio-Visual Library, Indiana State Police or Indiana Farm Bureau)
    3 "Entrapments and Suffocations in Flowing Grain", Field and Bailey, Purdue University, 1979 (available by request).
    4 "Suffocation Hazards in Flowing Grain", Purdue University, 1978, (available from Purdue's Audio-Visual Library and County Extension Offices).
    5 "For the Rest of Your Life", National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, (available from Purdue's Audio-Visual Library and Indiana Society for the Prevention of Blindness).

RR 5/81

Publication #: S-83


Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Bill Field
Extension Safety Specialist, Department of Agricultural Engineering

Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of Indiana, Purdue University, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating; HA. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette. IN. Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access institution

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