Why is National Farm Safety and Health Week not just for farmers anymore?
Even
though there are over 130,000 people injured,fatally and non-fatally,
in agriculture, not everyone is counted. Those not counted are
people who were involved in incidents with agricultural machinery
but not employed in agriculture. The most common location for
the general public to become involved in incidents with agricultural
machinery is on a public roadway. Thus the theme for this year's
National Farm Safety and Health Week focus on roadway safety.
When is National Farm Safety and Health Week?
September 15th through the 21st for 2002.
Who is going to be targeted during this week?
The focus is on farmers and ranchers,the general public,and
pedestrians and bicyclists who use public roads for exercise
programs.
What do
farmers and ranchers need to know?
Farmers and ranchers need to remember that the general public
does not often realize tractors and other agricultural machinery
often cannot travel faster than 25 mph and have limited maneuverability.
Farmers and ranchers should keep SMV emblems and extremity markings
clean and bright. All lights need to be working properly and
mirrors need to be kept clean and adjusted properly for the
operator. Farmers and ranchers should use their mirrors to watch
for motorists. When planning to make a left turn,look to see
if someone is attempting to pass. If so,let them pass before
starting the turn,if the turn is located in a designated passing
zone.
What does the general public need to know?
The general public needs to know that tractors and other agricultural
machinery often cannot travel faster than 25 mph. Limited speed
vehicles are identified by a Slow-Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem.
The general public needs to realize that tractors towing long
trailing or wide machines may need to move to the right before
completing a left turn.
Therefore, look for unmarked field and other entrances where
the tractor and/or machine may turn in before attempting to
pass. Don't assume the operator is waiting for the motorist
to pass just because he/ she moves to the right. REMEMBER:Only
pass if you are in a designated passing zone. Drive Defensively!
What do
pedestrians and bicyclists need to know?
Pedestrians need to walk against the flow of traffic. In other
words on the left side of the road when there are not any sidewalks.
This will enable the pedestrian to see motorists that are coming
at them and will allow them to move off the road quickly if
necessary. Pedestrians need to wear bright clothing so they
can be easily seen. Bicyclists need to wear all personal protective
equipment, especially helmets. Bicyclists should travel with
the flow of traffic (the right side of the road)and be aware
of the traffic around them. A mirror mounted on either the bike
or the helmet will help to monitor traffic.
What does everyone need to know?
Sharing the road is everyone's responsibility and being proactive
about preventing incidents that could result in injury is just
plain smart.
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
