Ag Safety STAT: Safety Through the Seasons 2021

Bridget Britton, Behavioral Health Field Specialist ANR

Those that work in the agriculture industry know that it doesn’t matter the time of year, it is always busy. The Winter season is no different it just has its own unique demands. However, there may be other things going on in our bodies right now. During this time of year, many people often begin expressing a feeling of sadness or mild depression. Did you know that feeling sad during this time of year is very typical, and many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder?

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

• A type of depression that typically lasts 4-5 months a year during the winter months
• There are many different types of potential signs just to list a few:
  • Feeling sad, lonely, depressed for more than 2 weeks 
  • Tired, sluggish, upset 
  • Loss of appetite, having low energy, or thoughts of suicide.

Many people are often ashamed or worried to share with others when they are feeling sad or lonely. But there is nothing to be ashamed about. Just like we take care of our equipment, friends, and family, we need to care for ourselves.  

• 1 in 5 adults will suffer from a diagnosable mental illness this year
• Approximately 50% of Americans will experience a mental health challenge

What causes SAD? Many researchers believe it has to do with an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain including serotonin and melatonin.

• A decrease in the sunshine, the shorter days mixed with cloudy skies make for less.
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Our body’s struggle to adjust to the shorter daylight hours and stay in a routine. 
• It is easier for us to feel more tired during the longer, colder night hours.

How is SAD treated?

• Keeping up with a routine
• Talking with a physician
• Light therapy
• Medication to treat depressive symptoms
• Vitamin D supplement
• Finding a self-help or support strategy that works for you!

If there is ever a concern of feeling depressed know it is okay to seek out support from a doctor, friend, pastor, or family member. There is also the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, if ever needed call 1-800-273-8255.

Bridget Britton, Behavioral Health Field Specialist ANR, can be reached at 330-365-8160 or britton.191@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, agsafety.osu.edu.

Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County

Harvest season started several weeks ago and in many areas is well over halfway complete.  With the changing of the seasons, we also see changes that need to be considered when it comes to roadway safety in agricultural communities.  

Agritourism and fall colors have brought more urban traffic to rural areas this time of year, and farm equipment and trucks are still busy on roadways getting the harvest completed.  This combination of large vehicles and motor vehicles unfamiliar with their presence leads to an increased risk of incidents on local roadways.

In 2020 alone, the total number of incidents between farm units (farm equipment and farm trucks) and motor vehicles in Ohio was 380 (Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Traffic Crash Facts).  Distracted driving is a continued concern on local roadways.  It is important to remember closure time when coming up behind slow moving vehicles.  In less than 7 seconds, a motor vehicle traveling 55 mph will close 400 feet behind a tractor traveling 15 mph.

Being aware and anticipating farm equipment actions on the roadway will help decrease the risk of collisions.  When approaching from the rear, watch for signals from the operator whether it be a yellow turn signal or hand signal.  With larger equipment, often it is difficult for the operator to see traffic coming from behind.  Watch for upcoming farm and field drives where the operator may be turning before attempting to pass.  If preparing to meet a piece of equipment, watch for guardrails, mailboxes, and road signs that may prevent the operator from getting over far enough to meet safely.

In this stage of harvest, lighting and marking on equipment and trucks may be obscured with dust and field material or lightbulbs may have blown since checked prior to the season beginning.  Farm equipment operators can do their part by ensuring their safety lighting and marking equipment are clean and functional.  Using escort vehicles in both the front and rear may increase visibility and keep the operator in communication of upcoming hazards or situations while moving from farm to farm.  Finally, when possible, attempt to move equipment at off-peak motor vehicle travel times.

Weather has been favorable in many areas for harvest this season, but we are starting to see a more rainy trend that shortens the windows for field work and makes conditions less than ideal.  While it may be more practical on back roads to park grain trucks on or partially on roadways to avoid getting stuck in damp fields, it is prohibited by Ohio Law. Carrying a large amount of field debris or mud out onto the roadway is also prohibited and efforts should be made to keep to a minimum or have a plan in place to clean off immediately.  Enforcement of these laws may vary around the area if flashers and triangles are utilized for trucks, but if an incident were to occur, liability would be placed on the party in violation.

On November 7^th clocks will be set back an hour and it will be getting dark earlier.  While this won’t likely affect the amount of time farmers will be working, it will increase the amount of time equipment will be sharing the roads with higher volumes of traffic from commuters in lower light situations.  Caution must be taken from all involved by making equipment visible and a more conscious effort to watch for equipment.

Autumn is a great time of year to enjoy the scenery of rural landscape.  Be safe and share the roads.

Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County, can be reached at 937-644-8117 or dellinger.6@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator, Ohio AgrAbility Program and OSU Extension

Ohio AgrAbility invites you to join us in celebrating 30 years of AgrAbility! In October AgrAbility projects will be on Facebook and Twitter posting stories, videos and resources about the farmers, staff, stakeholders, Assistive Technology and equipment vendors who make AgrAbility possible. Join us at the AgrAbility Virtual State Fair on Facebook or Twitter . Ohio’s AgrAbility Project has been housed in CFAES Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering since 2009, and works with farmers across the state. We will be posting farmers stories and resources for the Virtual State Fair October 11, please join us and learn more about Ohio AgrAbility.

AgrAbility is a national program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). AgrAbility assists farmers and other agricultural workers with disabilities by providing the resources and support they need to live independently, and to continue or return to working in production agriculture. AgrAbility consists of the National AgrAbility Project (based at Purdue University), and 20 State/Regional Projects. 

Laura Akgerman is the Disability Services Coordinator College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension. She can be reached at Akgerman.4@osu, or 614-292-0622.

J.T. Benitez, OSU Extension, ANR Educator Butler County

Late summer into autumn means it is u-pick season on many agritourism farms across Ohio.  It is a time for visitors to make a trip out to the farm to pick their favorite fruit or vegetable and spend quality family & friend time on your farm.  As a farmer, it is a great way to diversify your business and bring in a much higher farm income on commodities that you sometimes may be lucky to break even on.  Not only are you selling the intended commodity at a premium, but you also have value added products to sell that will also boost profits.  While you see your farm income improving, you are also seeing you have added a lot of additional risk because now having hundreds or even thousands of people visiting your farm with dozens of additional employees to manage, much more than just your regular farm chores.    

U-pick apple orchards are one of many agritourism activities available late summer through fall.  Families visit these farms to experience a small piece of what life is like on a farm, learn where their food comes from and take home some fresh apples they pick by hand.  Typically, this is a positive experience for the visitor but there are some risks to u-pick apple picking.  Below is a listing of things to think about at your u-pick apple orchard.

Visitor Risks to Consider

Unstable Footing Areas:  

• Loose apples on the ground
• Uneven areas in orchards
• Groundhog holes or other holes in orchards
• Limbs and roots of trees
• Uneven steps, broken concrete/pavement 
• Tree climbing (fall risks)
• Ladders (fall risks)
• Areas around the farm 

Food Safety

• Rotten apples (disease potential)
• Washing apples before eating (bacteria, dirt, spray residue, etc.)
• Allergies (example:  nuts on the caramel apples in Market Barn)

Lack of Maintenance 

• Tractors & Wagons for transportation to orchard (Is something going to break)
• Tree trimming (dead limbs, problem limbs)
• Mowing areas of u-pick orchard (trip hazard, unpleasant for visitor to walk through)

Outdoor Unknowns

• Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, etc. (stings)
• Weather (lightning, flash flooding, wind, heat, cold)

You as the operator, do you have a plan for the risks listed above?  Do you have a farm safety or emergency plan? Have you had an outside party evaluate your farm risks so you can make corrections? Do you have warning signs, rules of the farm or some other type of posted statement for your visitors to observe?  All questions to think about!  You may have more risk to add to the list than what is listed.  

Now is the time to look at your operation and see what you can do to lower risks.  

Creating a safe farm environment also extends to all your workers.  They are a vital part of your operation and require a respectful, safe work environment.  While many of the risks listed above also apply to workers on the farm, there are additional risks to consider for worker safety.  Below is a listing of additional risks for workers.  

Worker Risks to Consider

Lack of Maintenance or Usage Risk

• Tractors, wagons, bushhogs, etc.  (general risks, do workers know how to operate machinery)
• Weed eaters, mowers, chainsaws, tools, etc.  (loss of limbs, lack of operation knowledge)
• Barns & other structures (holes in barn floors, unstable buildings or structures, etc.)

Ladder Dangers 

• Falls
• Incorrect usage of ladders 
• Types of ladders used

Should all these risks keep you from conducting a u-pick operation?  Absolutely not!  Be smart, think things through and think safety first!  Overthinking safety is better than underthinking as that is when accidents may occur.  Have a great u-pick apple season! 

Please follow up with the additional information listed below to assist you in your operation.    

Orchard Ladder Safety - AEX-591.7.10, Ohio State University Extension

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-591710

Orchard Safety Stats, University of Washington, Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety & Health Center

https://deohs.washington.edu/pnash/orchard-injuries

Food Safety Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards, University of Vermont Extension

https://www.uvm.edu/~orchard/fruit/treefruit/tf_horticulture/AppleHortBasics/foodsafety.html

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule (FSMA), Ohio Department of Agriculture

https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/food-safety/resources/produce-safety

J.T. Benitez, OSU Extension, Butler County, Agriculture & Natural Resource Educator, can be reached at (513) 887-3722 or benitez.6@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, https://agsafety.osu.edu.

Bridget Britton, Behavioral Health Field Specialist ANR

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and with that comes the opportunity to raise awareness to help prevent even one more suicide from happening. When you live where you work the stress often never leaves a person’s mind. Unfortunately, people become overwhelmed to a point where they feel there is no other option beside suicide. For that exact reason it is important to talk about suicide, and how can we support those going through a mental health challenge in effort to prevent a future suicide. 

How is this affecting our community?

• The agricultural community is 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than any other population in the United States according to a CDC study published in 2017. Suicides are up by over 40% in the last 20 years according to this same study. Farmers and foresters experience unique stressors, whether related to health insurance, market prices, weather, or legal issues it all compounds impacting the mental and physical health of our ag community.
• We all struggle to talk about suicide and mental health. Though the conversations are happening they are still quiet. The stigma or fear of admitting a person needs support is still very real. Bringing this conversation out to the light allows for more open discussion. 

What can be done to help support?

• Many local communities will come together for rallies, walks, or speaking events this month. Check with your local mental health and recovery board to see what may be going on in your area. Seek out education on how to support others that may be walking through challenging times. Trainings are available to help spot warning signs and symptoms of potential mental health challenges or crises. These trainings do not make you a licensed professional, but they do provide tools to support family, friends, or strangers going through a difficult time and may help prevent suicide.
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
  • Trauma Informed Care

All trainings are offered through OSU Extension. The next Mental Health First Aid will be offered virtually through Extension on October 1^st. Contact Bridget Britton, britton.191@osu.edu, for more information or to register for any of these trainings. The farm stress team has developed a website with more information and resources on the topics of mental health and farm stress for our ag community at u.osu.edu/farmstress/resources. Visit and subscribe to the blog page for the most up to date information.

Bridget Britton, Behavioral Health Field Specialist ANR, can be reached at 330-365-8160 or britton.191@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. agsafety.osu.edu.

Gigi Neal, ANR Educator Clermont County and Dee Jepsen, Professor and State Agricultural Safety Leader

Many times, we see an airplane or helicopter going over head and it catches our attention to look up and see what kind of plane it is, or what they are doing. Some aircrafts can be personal planes, while others can be military or law enforcement units. Some medical helicopters are easily noticed, especially if they are nose down, on the way to an incident scene. 

Airplanes and helicopters are also used in agriculture production to plant seeds for agronomic crops, cover crops and also to apply fertilizers and pesticides. Aerial applications, also known as crop dusting, is common in Ohio. It is a specialty service for fields that are in their advanced growing stages - where equipment can no longer pass through without ruining the crop. The property owner who hires this work to be done, may not know exactly when this application is going to occur, which makes it difficult to let the neighbors know. 

As you see these aerial devices above, it is interesting to watch them in action. However, it is also important to respect the work zone. Here are a few recommendations for safely watching aerial applicators.

• Stay a safe distance away from the field where the aircraft is working. Do not stand on the edge of the field where you might encounter chemical particles. While these pilots are highly skilled, and use GPS coordinates for pesticide application, there may be a small chance to feel the spray if you are within the mapped area of the field.
• If you watch the field application from a vehicle, please practice roadway safety. Do not stop on a road – pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and use warning flashers. Do not stand in the roadway.

Watching aerial applicators at work is exciting site to see. It is important for by-standers to respect the safety zone. 

For more information about aerial applications, and the celebration of 100 years of aerial applicators, read the story at: https://www.richlandsource.com/area_history/born-in-ohio-aerial-application-turns-100-on-aug-3/article_aca5cac6-f39a-11eb-856e-077006b8e76d.html.

Gigi Neal is an ANR Educator Clermont County, can be reached at 513-732-7070 or neal.331@osu.edu. Dee Jepsen, Extension State Safety Leader, can be reached at 614-292-6008 or jepsen.4@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Richard Purdin, OSU Extension, Adams County ANR/CD Educator

Summer is here and many of the spring farm chores are complete, for many farmers this means cleaning up overgrown pastures, buffer strips, grassy waterways, and roadside ditches. Mowing road banks or field edges is a good practice to help control invasive weeds, increase visibility, or just make the property look nice. Operating a brush hog can be a very dangerous chore due to many risk factors -- steep topography, operating along roadways, propelled objects, and various moving equipment parts. Before hopping in the tractor, here are some steps to help keep you safe while making your property a showplace!

Check and Maintain Equipment

• Follow an equipment lubrication schedule and read the operator’s manual thoroughly.
• Sharpen blades.
• Install chain or belt guards to reduce the hazards of thrown objects.
• Inspect for properly working lights and clean visible SMV sign.
• Ensure all shields and guards are in place.

Wear Proper PPE

Wearing the proper clothing can help you avoid entanglement, injury to the eyes, hearing loss, and other physical injuries. Here is some suggested clothing:

• Close-fitting clothing
• Heavy boots
• Safety glasses
• Heavy textured gloves
• Hearing protection

Mowing on Slopes

Brush hogging usually involves working over rough or uneven topography and in many areas of Ohio this involves steep slopes. Some ways to avoid equipment rollover include:

• First read the tractor operator manual, familiarizing yourself with the weight of the tractor and the points of adjustment.
• Add weight to the front and rear end of the tractor to improve balance and control.
• Adjust rear and front tires to sit farther out, increasing stability on slopes.
• Wear a seat belt when the rollover protective structure (ROPS) is in place.
• Avoid extreme slopes of 35% or greater.

Be Aware of your Environment

• First walk unfamiliar fields or areas to help avoid accidents or damage to equipment while operating.
• Pick up tree limbs, rocks, or garbage prior to mowing. If you need to dismount the tractor to remove forage material, disengage equipment and wait for all moving parts to halt.
• Be aware of utility lines, poles, and boxes when mowing along roadways to help avoid costly utility damage and potential injury.

Additional resources are available at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79031 and https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-892257.

Richard Purdin, ANR/CD Educator Adams County, can be reached at 937-544 2339 or purdin.19@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Lydia Flores, OSU Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Morgan County

Imagine a calm humid morning walking the fields with dad and the dog. The sun is just coming up over the trees as you check the moisture of the hay. Growing up on a farm is not always easy, but it does teach you the value of hard work. All the time spent on the farm watching parents feed the cattle and work the ground really motivates the next generation to be a part of the operation. A significant safety factor lies with the child’s desire to make their parents proud. However, that is where parents must have a discussion with their child(ren) to determine what tasks are developmentally appropriate for them.

According to Farm Progress (2014) “About every three days a child on a U.S. farm dies from an agriculture-related incident. Every day some 38 children are injured on a U.S. farm…Vehicles and machinery account for 73 percent of the deaths of working youth on farms.” Unfortunately, issues concerning farm safety and children are often controversial and emotionally driven. One point that can be agreed upon is one death is too many, especially if it is your child.

Chores Will Vary

A child’s size, motor skills, and cognitive skills are all factors in determining whether they are physically and mentally able to complete certain tasks. The Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice (2012) listed key points about children working on farms and ranches:

• A child should never be an extra rider on a tractor. A good rule of thumb is “one seat one rider.”
• Supervise all children. Do not leave them alone on the farm or ranch.
• Provide children with the appropriate person protective equipment (PPE) for a given task and teach children the proper use and fit of any items of PPE.
• If children are not physically and cognitively ready to work on the farm, ensure that they have appropriate childcare and are not in farm work areas.
• Routinely inspect your farm or ranch for hazards and immediately remove these dangers.
• Encourage children to participate in local farm and ranch safety activities. 

Developmental Stages

An article by Penn State Extension (2014) provides a comprehensive chart of the developmental characteristics of children from birth through age 18 and offers details about how children develop, common causes of injury or death for each age group, strategies to prevent accidents, and appropriate work tasks.

Check out this link to view the table: https://extension.psu.edu/children-and-safety-on-the-farm.

This article also includes a preventive measure to help farm families record the age-appropriate tasks for the child(ren). “Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a method that helps parents find job safety hazards and eliminate or minimize them by providing a written set of safe job-task steps for children before the job is performed” (Murphy, 2014). 

When used correctly, a JSA form will remind children and the parents how to do the work correctly and safely each time, but as a reminder, a JSA form should never replace good initial instruction and close supervision.

Lydia Flores, 4-H Educator Morgan County, can be reached at 740-252-5430 or flores.191@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Sources

Age-appropriate tasks for children on farms and ranches. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from https://ag-safety.extension.org/age-appropriate-tasks-for-children-on-farms-and-ranches/.

Murphy, D. (2014, June 20). Children and Safety on the Farm. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/children-and-safety-on-the-farm.

Smith, R. (2014, June 2). Farm-related childhood deaths are down, but still too many. Farm Progress. https://www.farmprogress.com/equipment/farm-related-childhood-deaths-are-down-still-too-many.

Denny Riethman, ANR Educator Mercer County

Wheat harvest will happen soon.  A common practice with livestock farmers is to apply manure nutrients following harvest of the wheat.  This increases the importance of reminding operators and applicators of following safety precautions when working around manure pits.  Planning ahead, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring everyone is trained, and good communication helps reduce the risk and keep everyone safe.

Manure pit gases are the biggest concern for health and safety around manure handling and storage pits. Hydrogen Sulfide, methane, carbon monoxide and ammonia are gasses of concern. Pit gases from any storage pit, whether closed, open, or under barn storage, can be toxic to both humans and livestock.  Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas is the biggest risk and is extremely dangerous and highly unpredictable.  Hydrogen Sulfide gas is released when agitating and pumping manure.  The gas is colorless, flammable and extremely hazardous with a rotten egg smell.  The gas is heavier than air, and will collect is low lying areas without good air movement.  If it is in the breathing area for people and animals, it can be immediately dangerous to life and health.

Manure applicators and individuals working around the barn and confined spaces are recommended to be equipped with H₂S monitors or multi-gas detectors that will provide alerts when levels are increasing.  The alert system will give workers time to move away from higher gas concentration areas.  H₂S gas concentration levels of 2 to 20 ppm will cause symptoms of nausea, headache, and dizziness.  H₂S levels greater than 100 ppm will cause alerted breathing, collapse, and death.  Exposure to ammonia results in immediate burning sensation and redness in the eyes.  Methane and carbon monoxide are odorless and difficult to detect by smell.  The dangerous consequences from all of these gasses increases the importance of having multi-gas monitors in livestock buildings with manure pits below or around them.

It is important to understand the different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) available and the levels of protection they provide.  Having a self-contained breathing apparatus or supplied air respirator on hand is recommended.  Establishing a “Buddy System” in your operating procedures is important when working around manure pits in the event something happens, and someone collapses.  A safety belt or harness should be worn as a lifeline, should a worker need to enter a manure pit.  This allows a co-worker to stay in the peripheral area and keep a safe distance away and pull them to safety should the need arise.  The second person can also call for emergency help if needed.

Properly operating ventilation systems are very important for enclosed barns with manure pits below.  The ventilation system needs to exhaust the gases out of the barn especially while stirring and agitating the manure.  This is important for people working in the area, as well as the animals, to keep them from being fatally exposed to gases.  Think ahead to the process, make sure you are working with partners for maintenance.  If you need to enter a confined space, ventilate the area for a period of time before entering the area.  Follow the “Lock Out, Tag Out” procedure when doing maintenance or fixing equipment to ensure no one else accidently starts equipment you are working on or repairing.

Fencing and signage are important considerations around open manure pits to ensure that children, visitors, and animals are kept out.  Placing signage that indicates hazardous gases are present provides a visual warning and helps alert people to the risks in the area.

Producers and workers do not often see the susceptibility or severity of manure gas hazards.  Building awareness and communication for everyone in the operation is key.  Developing SOPs, training, and communication when working around manure pits is important.  Along with making safety a mindset and part of the thought process as you go through daily tasks, will reduce risks, and keep people and animals safe.

Denny Riethman, ANR Educator Mercer County, can be reached at 419-586-2179 or riethman.24@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/. 

Kate Homonai, OSU Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Vinton County

Do you ever stop to think about how amazing the sun is? It is a star that is tens of millions of miles away from earth, yet provides just the right amount of heat and light to support life on our planet. The sun plays an important role in the hydrological cycle that provides us with water and the process of photosynthesis that enables our crops to grow properly.

Sunshine is critical for farm life, but like anything else, too much of a good thing could also be a bad thing. For example, working outside and exposing your skin to the sun can lead to damage like tans or sunburns. That damage can increase our risk of developing skin cancer. Farmers and other individuals who work outdoors are more likely to experience skin cancer than the general population due simply to the nature of their work.

While that is a grim fact, there are steps we can take to protect our skin while we go about our daily tasks:

• Check the local UV index here , including on cloudy days. When the UV forecast is 3 or higher, be sure to apply sunscreen before heading out to work. 
• Apply sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher before heading out for the day, then reapply every 2 hours while you’re out in the sun. You may need to reapply sunscreen more often if you’re sweating heavily or frequently wiping off sweat. 
• Wear a widebrimmed hat (the brim should be 3” or more) to protect your ears, temples, and the back of your neck. Baseball caps do not protect these areas. If you prefer to wear a baseball cap (or even no cap), protect these sensitive areas with sunscreen.
• When possible, plan to work in the shade or indoors when UV rays are strongest, which is typically between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

These simple steps take only a few minutes of our time, but go a long way in protecting our skin while we work outside beneath our amazing sun. 

Kate Homonai, FCS Educator Vinton County, can be reached at 740-596-5212 or homonai.3@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Mary Ann Rose, Pesticide Safety Education

With the arrival of summer, the risk of heat stress increases.  Farmers have an elevated risk of heat stress for obvious reasons – working outdoors.  Activities that require protective clothing, such as pesticide application, further increase the risk.   

Heat stress is a condition that develops with increasing body temperature. The body has mechanisms to eliminate excess heat that we can readily observe, such as perspiration and flushing. If the body’s ability to cool itself is overwhelmed, heat stress may progress to a life-threatening condition – heat stroke.   Heat stress also may contribute to other serious health conditions, such as heart attacks, and because of fatigue or confusion that may be associated with heat stress, may contribute to higher incidence of accidents or injuries.   

Protect yourself, your family and farm workers by implementing preventive measures and knowing the danger signs of heat stress.   

The following measures can lower the risk of heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. During heavy work in heat, the body may lose as much as 1-2 quarts per hour! 
• Adapt work to the weather, for example, spray pesticides at cooler times of the day.
• Take breaks to cool down, for example, 10-15 minutes every 2 hours.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing whenever possible.
• Read medicine labels for interactions with sun and heat; some drugs may increase sensitivity.
• Build up a tolerance to working in the heat.
• Wear hats and sun protection if working outside.
• Be conscious of health conditions that may increase with heat stress.

Signs of heat stress and heat stroke

People may begin feeling hot, tired, and sweaty.  Excessive heat and resulting dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion symptoms which may include headache, light-headedness or dizziness, fatigue, loss of strength, cramps, severe thirst, dry mouth, and mood changes. As conditions progress towards potentially life-threatening heat stroke, symptoms also may include lack of sweating, dry skin and elevated body temperature, confusion or aggression, fast pulse, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.  

How to help someone experiencing heat stress

Get the person to a cooler, shaded area as soon as possible and give them cool water to drink, in small amounts, but as much as they can drink.  Loosen or remove any tight protective gear or outer clothing, especially around the neck, chest, and waist.  Splash the person’s body with cool water or apply wet towels; change the towels frequently to keep them cool. Fan the person with a hat or other item. If the person does not respond quickly to first aid or if they are experiencing the heat stroke symptoms, get medical assistance immediately.   

For additional information on symptoms and first aid measures, read the following resources:

Heat Stress (factsheet)
Ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-591108

Heat Stress. Farmworker Health and Safety 
www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2019-03/trainer_guide.pdf

Mary Ann Rose, Director, Pesticide Safety Education Program can be reached at (614) 292-4070 or rose.155@osu.edu. The Pesticide Safety Education Program website is located at http://pested.osu.edu.

This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Sabrina Schirtzinger, ANR Educator Knox County

Owning and working livestock is the first step to teaching youth responsibilities on the farm. Younger children may not be aware of the dangers that come with this responsibility. As parents it is our duty to teach our children the proper ways to work with animals to ensure safety.

Begin with the basics: 

Clean, Working Facilities

Barns should be free of tripping hazards and cluttered areas to decrease the risk of injury. Fences, gates, alleyways, and panels should be free of rusty nails, loose bolts, broken boards, and gaps in pens. 

A key part of livestock handling safety is keeping equipment and facilities in proper working order. 

Using Your Quiet Voice 

Did you know livestock can hear sounds and pitches that humans cannot? Loud noises scare animals and high frequencies can hurt their ears. Announce your presence when entering the barn/pen with animals. Quiet, calm voices will aid in keeping livestock at ease. 

Recognize the Signs of Aggression/Fear 

It is natural for livestock to protect their offspring, herd, pasture, or pen. Watch for signs of aggression and fear to know when you may be in danger. Signs may include: 

1. Showing their teeth 
2. Body posture- pawing at the ground, head down and shaking. 
3. Pinned ears 
4. Raised tail or hair standing up on their back 

Before entering an area with livestock have a planned route to escape if an animal gets aggressive. 

Proper Clothing 

Protect your feet by wearing sturdy boots when working livestock. Non-skid soles can also help with uneven and wet footing. Wear leather gloves when working or loading livestock to protect your hands. Use rubber gloves when handling chemicals, feces, or diseased items. 

Approach Livestock 

Know the blind spots of the livestock you are working with. Swine and cattle have a difficult time judging distance and cannot see behind them. It is best to approach all animals at their sides. 

Teaching youth when they are young important safety tips is key to their safety around livestock. 

Sabrina Schirtzinger, ANR Educator Knox County, can be reached at 740-397-0401 or Schirtzinger.55@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team.  https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Mary Ann Rose, Director, Pesticide Safety Education Program

You probably worked on your sprayer and other major equipment over the winter to gear up for pesticide applications.  Have you put any effort into preparing for applicator safety?  Here are some questions to ask yourself in preparation for the season:  

• Do I have the required personal protective equipment on hand?  Review your pesticide labels, and make sure you do.  One of the new dicamba formulations used on dicamba-tolerant soybeans requires a respirator – did you know that?  Be sure you have whatever the label requires.
• Are you sure you have the right kind of PPE? Let your pesticide label be your guide.   Leather or cotton gloves* do not protect you from pesticides – they absorb chemical and hold it close to your skin!  Read labels carefully to make sure your PPE have required level of chemical resistance.  The gloves in the picture are 14 ml nitrile, appropriate for many, but not all agricultural pesticides. Finally, conventional agricultural pesticides all require long-sleeved shirt, long pants, shoes, and socks at a minimum.  Are you in compliance with the label?  
• Are you applying pesticides from inside an enclosed cab?  The label may not require you to wear the PPE inside the enclosed cab, but you must have it available in case you have to exit to the field while spraying.   
• Mixing and loading in the field?  Make sure you have soap, water, and paper towels available to you to wash up before smoking, drinking, eating, or using a restroom.  In case you were to splash concentrated chemical on you, having a spare set of clothing is a good idea too. 
• Are you using a pesticide that requires eye protection?  Choose eye protection that offers side protection from splashes.  Also, you must have eye wash on hand when mixing and loading if the pesticides you are using require eye protection.  Someday this precaution could save you from serious eye injury!
• Look at your chemical storeroom.  Are there any leaky containers, or containers that are missing their labels?  Take steps now to fix those problems and remember: NEVER USE A FOOD OR DRINK STORAGE CONTAINER FOR PESTICIDES.  Sadly, fatalities have occurred from this poor decision.   Also make sure your chemical storage is secure enough to keep children and unauthorized people out.  
• Have you stored your PPE in the pesticide cabinet or storeroom?  If so, remove and store it in another location.  Some pesticides are volatile, and they can contaminate your PPE. 

*One exception: certain fumigants do call for the use of cotton gloves.  Otherwise these are not appropriate to use with pesticides.  

To watch a short video (11 minutes) reviewing Pesticide Safety Basics for the farm, click below:

https://youtu.be/PhPvcO10xCM

Contact the Pesticide Safety Education Program with your pesticide safety questions: pested@osu.edu / 614-292-4070. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Richard Purdin, ANR/CD Educator Adams County

A common tool used on the farm is a tractor mounted post-hole auger/digger. A tractor mounted post-hole digger can reduce time and labor when building large stretches of fence. There are two types of tractor mounted post-hole diggers available on the market, power take off (PTO) operated and hydraulic flow operated. It is important to use caution and follow safety steps to avoid injury or fatality when working with equipment with moving parts or a power take off (PTO) or hydraulic system.

Prevention Measures

• Read the operator’s manual for proper operating procedures before using the equipment.
• Maintain safety shields and labels.
• Use equipment only if all safety shields are in place.

Inspect and Maintain Equipment Properly

• Make sure cutting blade is sharp.
• Ensure all shields are tightly attached.
• Check for fluid leaks.
• Inspect hydraulic hoses for cracks and weathering.
• Use shear bolts provided by the manufacture only.
• Grease frequently and check wear spots and shear bolts.

Safe Operation Steps

• Call 811 to locate buried utilities before digging.
• Clear obstructions such as rocks and tree branches from the work site.
• Allow only one operator on the equipment.
• Disengage and turn off the tractor before dismounting to make repairs or adjustments.
• Engage the PTO at low RPM speeds.
• Consult the operator's manual for proper horsepower and rpm during operation.
• Make sure the tractor used for the task is properly weighted when working on slopes or rocky terrane.

For more information and safety steps you can go to https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-5931.

Richard Purdin, ANR/CD Educator Adams County, can be reached at 937-544 2339 or purdin.19@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Dee Jepsen, Associate Professor, Agricultural Safety and Health

As Anhydrous nurse tanks start rolling to the fields, roadway safety becomes a priority. This is a review of Ohio’s regulations to protect the transporter and the public.

• Operator Age—Individuals transporting anhydrous ammonia must be 21 years old. (Ohio Administrative Code 4901:2-5-04, http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4901:2-5-04).
• Towing—It is highly recommended that the vehicle used to tow the nurse tank be at least equal in weight to the gross weight of the nurse tank. This will assist the operator in maintaining control minimizing the risk of a roadway incident. Roadway transport of an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank can include:     
  • Tractor, applicator and one nurse tank.    
• • Tractor and two nurse tanks. (Local supplier company policy may dictate that a customer may only tow one nurse tank.)     

• • Pickup truck and one nurse tank (Ohio Administrative Code 4513.32, http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4513.32).
• Speed—The speed limit for anhydrous ammonia tanks traveling on the Ohio public roadways is 25 mph and a SMV emblem must be displayed.  (Ohio Administrative Code 4513.32, http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4513.32).
• Personal Protective Equipment—All vehicles transporting anhydrous ammonia shall carry a container of at least 5 gallons of water and be equipped with rubber gloves and either a full-face gas mask, a pair of tight-fitting goggles, or one full face shield. (Ohio Administrative Code 901:5-3-10, http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/901%3A5-3).
• Nurse Tank Leak During Transport—If a leak occurs in transportation equipment and it is not practical to stop the leak, the driver should move the vehicle to an isolated location away from populated communities or heavily traveled highways. (Ohio Administrative Code 901:5-3-10, http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/901%3A5-3).

Prior to operating a nurse tank on a public roadway, carefully check:

• Running Gear – Inspect the farm wagon frame tongue, reach poles, anchor devices, wheel bearings, knuckles, ball joints and pins for structural damage, cracks, excessive wear and adjustments.

• Tires – Check for proper inflation. Check tire tread for cuts, badly worn spots, and signs of weathering. Assure that lug nuts are tight.
• Lubrication – Steering knuckles, wheels, tongues, or other applicable farm wagon equipment should be lubricated at least once every year.
• Hitch pin – a safety-type hitch pin with a standard safety chain attachment to the wagon or running gear. 
• SMV emblem – With the mounted point up, place the sign 2-6 feet above the ground. Place the perpendicular plane to the direction of travel (+ or -) 10 degrees. Place the sign as near to rear center as possible.
• Warning Lights – turn signals, flashing warning lights and a red brake light are recommended when towing an anhydrous ammonia tank wagon on public roadways. A standard seven terminal break-away connector plug should be used on the tank wagon to accommodate these lights.

There are legally required safety signs and labels to be on the nurse tanks. Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) requires Anhydrous to be marked consistently across all states. These markings include:

• Nurse tanks must be labeled “ANHYDROUS AMMONIA” in 4-inch letters, on contrasting background, on the sides and rear of the tank.
• The words “INHALATION HAZARD,” in association with the anhydrous ammonia label, in 3-inch lettering be placed on both sides of the tank.
• A DOT approved “NON-FLAMMABLE GAS” placard with the numbers 1005 (identifying it as anhydrous ammonia) must be located on both sides and both ends of the tank.
• The valves must be appropriately labeled by color or legend as vapor (Safety Yellow) or liquid (Omaha Orange). The letters of the legend must be at least 2 inches high on contrasting background and within 12 inches of the valves.

It is important to follow all rules of the supplier company. Additional training may be required by these companies to protect their liability when transporting and using their nurse tanks.

Additional information can be found on Ohioline with the “Safe Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia” fact sheet at: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-594.

Dee Jepsen, Associate Professor, can be reached at 614-292-6008 or jepsen.4@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County

Spring planting season will soon be under way across the State of Ohio.  After challenging planting seasons in recent years, farmers will be taking advantage of every window of opportunity to get seeds in the ground.

Combine the spring planting equipment on the road and increased motor vehicle traffic because of more people transitioning from telecommuting back to work from COVID-19 and we have an increased risk of incidents on local roadways.

In the period from 2009-2018 over half of the farm fatalities in Ohio were related to tractor use (OSU Extension Ag Safety & Health, Farm Fatality and Injury Database for Ohio).  Of these tractor related fatalities, around 14% were the result of a roadway collision.  In 2020 alone, the total number of incidents between farm units (farm equipment and farm trucks) and motor vehicles in Ohio was 380 (Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Traffic Crash Facts).  Of these 380 incidents, 3 resulted in fatalities and 99 resulted in injuries.  While this total is down significantly from 2019 when there were 462 crashes, this could be attributed to less motor vehicles on the road because of businesses being temporarily shut down and telecommuting arrangements.  

Distracted driving is a continued concern on local roadways.  It is important to remember closure time when coming up behind slow moving vehicles.  In less than 7 seconds, a motor vehicle traveling 55 mph will close 400 feet behind a tractor traveling 15 mph.

Being aware and anticipating farm equipment actions on the roadway will help decrease the risk of collisions.  When approaching from the rear, watch for signals from the operator whether it be a yellow turn signal or hand signal.  With larger equipment, often it is difficult for the operator to see traffic coming from behind.  Watch for upcoming farm and field drives where the operator may be turning before attempting to pass.  If you are preparing to meet a piece of equipment, watch for guardrails, mailboxes, and road signs that may prevent the operator from getting over far enough to meet safely.

Farm equipment operators can do their part by ensuring their safety lighting and marking equipment are clean and functional.  Using escort vehicles in both the front and rear may increase visibility and keep the operator in communication of upcoming hazards or situations while moving from farm to farm.  Finally, when possible, attempt to move equipment at off-peak motor vehicle travel times.

Taking a drive in the country has seemed to be one of the few enjoyable and acceptable activities we can do for around a year now.  We need to enjoy the view, watch out for farm equipment, and stay safe.

Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County, can be reached at 937-644-8117 or dellinger.6@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/. 

Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension, Hardin County ANR Educator; with information from Pierce Paul, OSU Extension, Corn & Wheat Disease Specialist and Dee Jepsen, OSU Extension, Associate Professor and State Agricultural Safety Leader.

Currently there is a lot of activity unloading grain bins and hauling corn to market. Cash bids are very good, the weather has broken after several weeks of cold temperatures and snow, and we have begun a new tax year for farmers. Considering the harvest of 2020, some producers may experience vomitoxin in their bins when unloading and cleaning out this past harvest’s corn crop. Since this week has been Nationwide Insurance Grain Bin Safety Week, this article will draw attention to on-farm and other grain storage safety when working with corn that has high levels of vomitoxin.

Some localized areas of Ohio experienced fields with Gibberella ear rot (GER) that was more than likely contaminated with mycotoxins. Infection of the ear, development of visual symptoms (ear rot), and contamination of grain with vomitoxin all depend on weather conditions during the weeks after silk emergence. Once the fungus enters the ear via the silks (infection) and begins to colonize the developing grain, it produces vomitoxin, even if subsequent weather conditions are not favorable for mold and ear rot to develop on the outside of the ear. This is particularly true if infections occur late and conditions become relatively dry and unfavorable for visual symptoms to develop.

Local markets such as ethanol plants, feed mills, and grain elevators test for vomitoxin levels in parts per million. Depending on the end use of the corn, these buyers will discount or reject loads at set levels of contamination. These levels increase with processing of the corn; and can cause significant issues when feeding to certain types of livestock. Severely diseased and toxin contaminated grain are usually smaller than healthy grain and covered with fugal mold. Compared to healthy grain, diseased grain kernels break easily during harvest, transport, and other forms of grain handling, increasing the number of fine particles and the amount of dust in the grain lot. 

In the fall, it is recommended that fields with ear rot problems should be harvested as soon as possible and handled separately from healthy fields, even if it means harvesting those fields at a higher-than-usual moisture content. Adjusting the combine to minimize damage to the grain and increasing the fan speed will help to remove lightweight grain and dust particles, and as a result, reduce the level of mycotoxin in the grain. Once harvested, grain should be dried down to below 15% moisture with storage in a clean dry bin.

Unfortunately, there are no commercially available treatments to reduce vomitoxin levels in stored grain. Poor storage may cause toxin levels to increase. Warm, moist pockets in the grain promote mold development, causing the grain quality to deteriorate and toxin levels to increase. Aeration is important to keep the grain dry and cool. However, it should be noted that while cool temperatures, air circulation, and low moisture levels will minimize fungal growth and toxin production, these will not decrease the level of toxin that was already present in grain at the time of storage. When selling grain, corn that has been tested with vomitoxin should be sold as soon as possible.

Dry and store harvested grain to below 15% moisture or lower to minimize further mold development and toxin contamination in storage. Store dried grain at cool temperatures (36 to 44°F) in clean, dry bins. Moderate to high temperatures are favorable for fungal growth and toxin production. Periodically check grain for mold, insects, and temperature. If mold is found, send a grain sample for mold identification and analysis to determine if toxins are present and at what level. Clean bins and storage units between grain lots to reduce cross-contamination.

Harvesting and handling moldy grain may expose farmers to mycotoxin and other moldy conditions in the grain dust. Dust in grain harvested from GER-affected fields contain a mixture of tiny pieces of grain, husks, and cobs, all of which may be contaminated with vomitoxin, as well as pieces of fungal mycelium (mold). In fact, husks and cobs are usually more contaminated with mycotoxins than the grain. Breathing grain dust can have adverse effects on the human respiratory system. When the dust is also suspect of mycotoxins, it is especially necessary to take precautions.

Wearing a disposable, 2-strap N95 mask (respirator) helps protect the worker from breathing in dusty, moldy and toxic substances. This type of personal protection equipment will filter out at least 95% of the dust and mold in the air. The 1-strap mask does not have this level of protection, and is basically worthless in agricultural environments. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to purchase the recommended respirators for agricultural work. The suppliers have increased manufacturing of these items; however, some local outlets are still limited in their product availability due to an increased need to service medical personnel.

If disposable masks are not available, consider a reusable quarter face mask with interchangeable cartridges. P100 filters may be more readily accessible for online purchases. Quarter masks, with replaceable cartridges, may also be more economical in the long term because of their multi-functional applications in agricultural settings. Either an N95 or P100 respirator are the best forms of protection from moldy and dusty grain dust. Protect yourself and all workers exposed to grain dust while both harvesting and handling suspect corn.

For more information on respirators for farm use, consult the OSU Extension Factsheet: Dust and Mold, AEX 892.2.11, https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-892211.

Mark Badertscher, ANR Educator Hardin County, can be reached at 419-767-6037 or badertscher.4@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/

Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator / Ohio AgrAbility Coordinator

It’s wintertime. The temperatures are cold, the days are short, and the nights are long. You have work to do, but you just don’t feel like doing it. The good news is that the shortest day of the year is behind us, and we are getting a few minutes more daylight every day. If you have been feeling down and unmotivated for a few weeks or months, it could be the 2020/winter blues, or it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. SAD can cause you to feel depressed most of the day, on most days. SAD can cause you to have lower energy, lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy, or feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness. SAD can also cause trouble with motivation, not sleeping, sleeping too much, trouble getting of bed or working. 

SAD is more severe than the 2020 blues, it is a real type of depression, and it can be managed and treated. Treatments include medication, light therapy, and counseling. If you have prolonged feelings of hurting yourself or others, or thoughts of suicide, please seek medical attention. Even if your symptoms are not severe, talking to a counselor can help you manage your SAD symptoms. A list of county-level Mental Health Resource Guides is available at the OSU Center for Public Health Practice.

At home SAD management techniques include yoga, tai chi, meditation, guided imagery, music or art therapy and exercise. Make your environment sunnier and brighter - open your curtains or blinds and let the light into your home. Get outside and take a walk, or sit in the sun (wear sunscreen, even winter sun can cause damage). Fortunately, SAD does not typically last into the summer, and every day we are getting a little more daylight. Don’t ignore SAD symptoms, talk to friends and family, or a mental health professional.

Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator and Ohio AgrAbility Coordinator, can be reached at (614) 292-0622 or akgerman.4@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Richard Purdin ANR/CD Educator Adams County

Winter is here and with winter comes inclement weather, unfortunately farmers and ranchers must tend to their chores no matter what mother nature may throw at them. The farm is filled with hazards and risk for slipping and falling.  During winter, this risk is elevated due to ice, wind, snow, and extreme low temperatures. In 2017 OSHA reported that 20% of workplace injuries were caused by slipping and falling in winter weather conditions.  Precautions need to be taken when working in the winter elements. No matter how important a task may seem, it is never more important than your health and safety. Here are just a few considerations and hints to help you avoid spending your new years in the hospital.

• Be aware of your environment. Before heading out make sure to check weather conditions and be aware of any forecast changes that may take place throughout the day.
• Dress appropriately for different weather conditions.  Wear proper footwear with non-slip tread. Sunglasses or transition lenses help reduce snow blindness.
• Take your time- once you are outside be sure to allocate extra time to complete your task. Avoid running and quick changes in direction.
• Avoid carrying heavy and bulky material – even if it means making an extra trip, carrying light, small loads help you maintain balance and vision.
• If possible, store tractors, and other farm machinery in a barn- this will eliminate ice and snow developing on steps, ladders, and entry doors. Remember to mount or enter equipment using 3-point approach (2 feet/1 hand or 2 hands/1 foot).
• Always have essential supplies on hand- this includes salt, shovel, and scrapers to clear ice and snow from walkways and other heavily utilized areas around the farm.
• Maintain water drainage- make sure rainwater from feedlots, machinery sheds, grain bins/silos, and roadways do not pool in one spot. This can go a long way in avoiding a slipping hazard when the water freezes.
• Be extra alert when working around livestock – keep extra distance from livestock in conditions that may allow them to slip and fall.
• Be extra cautious around livestock watering facilities and manure platforms or push off ramps. Splashing water or liquid manure can freeze and create a slipping hazard.

Other resources can be found at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79015

Richard Purdin, ANR / CD Educator Adams County, can be reached at 937-544-2339 or purdin.19@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/