Progressive Agriculture Safety Days

Progressive Agriculture Safety Days September 2020

During a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Minnesota, participants learn why certain farm tasks are more appropriate for older teens and adults because of both their size and developmental ability. (Progressive Farmer image by Progressive Agriculture Foundation)

A farm is a wonderful place to grow up. However, it can be a dangerous place for young children, especially during harvest. Lead by example and instill the importance of practicing safety all the time. Here are five safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Always walk around your equipment before starting it, as children may be hiding or not visible in blind spots. Doing this walkabout can also alert you to any other potential safety issues.

2. Never allow kids to climb and play on or near farm equipment, even when it is not in use.

3. Always lock up equipment and machinery when you finish using it. Remove the keys, and keep them out of reach of children. Also, for equipment that may fall, such as buckets, make sure they are placed in the down position.

4. Do not allow children to be passengers on tractors, lawn mowers or other farm equipment.

5. Designate and create a "safe play area" with protected boundaries like a fence that is far away from where machinery is operated or stored.

Celebrating National Farm Safety and Health Week:

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day proudly supports National Farm Safety & Health Week, taking place Sept. 20 through 26, 2020. Join us in promoting safe and healthy practices on our farms and ranches during this upcoming harvest season. The theme "Every Farmer Counts" is one that reminds us it's in everyone's best interest to prioritize the health and safety of those who work so hard to provide our abundant supply of food, fiber and fuel. Throughout the week, a different safety-related topic will be highlighted each day:

> Monday, Sept. 21, 2020: Tractor Safety & Rural Roadway Safety

> Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020: Overall Farmer Health

> Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020: Safety & Health for Youth in Agriculture

Plus LIVE Virtual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on our Facebook page

> Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020: Emergency Preparedness in Agriculture

> Friday, Sept. 25, 2020: Safety & Health for Women in Agriculture

For more information on this effort, including safety messages around each topic area or a list of the activities planned for the week, visit the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety website at www.necasag.org.

Find Us Online:

Visit progressiveag.org or call us at 888-257-3529 for a complete list of all upcoming 2020 Progressive Agriculture Safety Days or to see how you can host a Safety Day during 2021 or 2022.

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