Andy Bauer – Ohio AgrAbility Educational Program Coordinator
With most crops in the ground a lot of the long days are done and others are just starting. Working safely is still an important mission that everyone needs to follow.
June brings on spraying of crops, baling hay, taking care of the garden and mowing grass. These are but a few of the tasks that must be done safely.
Spraying pesticides:
• Be sure to read all labels on pesticides and follow the safety precautions listed.
• Follow the proper application rates for the product being used and be sure to use the proper personal protective equipment for that product.
• Even though it may be hot outside, wear long sleeve shirts and long legged pants.
• Wear eye protection when mixing and using pesticides.
• Take your time and don’t rush the job, it may take a little longer to do the job but it’s your health your protecting along with others.
Baling hay:
• Be aware of PTO shafts and other moving parts on equipment.
• Don’t wear loose torn clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
• Do not jump down off wagons and other equipment; climb down and save your ankle, knee and hip joints.
• Be safe when handling bales whether small square or large round bales, if lifting by hand lift properly, use your legs and if using equipment to pick them up beware of balance points.
• Don’t overload wagons and trucks.
Working around the yard and mowing grass:
• Always wear good protective shoes not flip-flops.
• Always shut the mower deck down when getting off riding mowers.
• Keep your feet away from mower decks and blades so you don’t spend the rest of the summer with missing toes.
• Be aware of your surroundings and where young children are and keep them away from the mower.
• Be aware of the discharge of the mower so as not to throw an object at someone or something.
Always keep safety in mind and keep June and the rest of your summer SAFE!
For more information contact Ohio AgrAbility at agrability.osu.edu or Andy Bauer at bauer.528@osu.edu or (614) 247-7681.